Category: iWorld

  • Cyber security can save up to Rs 540 cr each year; Paytm in 10 Indian languages

    Cyber security can save up to Rs 540 cr each year; Paytm in 10 Indian languages

    MUMBAI: As companies increasingly get on to harnessing the benefits of the networked world, overlook the associated threats, said a cyber-security expert and ethical hacker on the lack of awareness around the emerging threats at the BFSI Tech Maestros Awards & Conclave 2016. The expert — TAC Security founder & CEO Trishneet Arora was one of the panelists on the panel at the conclave.

    Paytm meantime is set to unveil its multilingual interface to enable millions of Indians to overcome language barriers and pay and shop in their preferred regional language.

    After the limited demonetization, online transactions have seen a spurt, and the trend is likely to continue. This gives rise to the challenge of ensuring the transactions are safe and secure, the identity of the individuals is not compromised and the organizations operate smoothly. Cyber security experts can play an important role in identifying loop holes and providing a solution.

    Arora said, “Credit card frauds cost banks and credit card companies over US $8 billion (Rs 540 crore) each year. Apart from the Apple Pay fraud, such large-scale mobile wallet frauds have not been witnessed so far, if we discount customer carelessness. However, there is an immense lack of awareness to understand this risk. Several business personalities are not taking cyber threats seriously.”

    “There is only one way to be alert and safe in today’s cyberspace and that rests on knowing your vulnerabilities and patching them before any fraudulent hacker can use it adversely,” he concluded. Recently, details of more than 3.2 million debit cards of some of the banks faced the threat of breach due to hacking.

    The user interface of India’s largest mobile payments and commerce platform on Android will be available in — English and in 10 different regional languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya and Punjabi. Paytm, which is India’s payments and commerce platform to offer multiple regional language interface, has expanded its reach to over 80% smartphone users in India, who prefer internet-based services in regional languages.

    Paytm senior vice president Deepak Abbot said, “With this new move, we are looking to push our share of customers from tier II and tier III cities from 50% to 70%.”

  • Cyber security can save up to Rs 540 cr each year; Paytm in 10 Indian languages

    Cyber security can save up to Rs 540 cr each year; Paytm in 10 Indian languages

    MUMBAI: As companies increasingly get on to harnessing the benefits of the networked world, overlook the associated threats, said a cyber-security expert and ethical hacker on the lack of awareness around the emerging threats at the BFSI Tech Maestros Awards & Conclave 2016. The expert — TAC Security founder & CEO Trishneet Arora was one of the panelists on the panel at the conclave.

    Paytm meantime is set to unveil its multilingual interface to enable millions of Indians to overcome language barriers and pay and shop in their preferred regional language.

    After the limited demonetization, online transactions have seen a spurt, and the trend is likely to continue. This gives rise to the challenge of ensuring the transactions are safe and secure, the identity of the individuals is not compromised and the organizations operate smoothly. Cyber security experts can play an important role in identifying loop holes and providing a solution.

    Arora said, “Credit card frauds cost banks and credit card companies over US $8 billion (Rs 540 crore) each year. Apart from the Apple Pay fraud, such large-scale mobile wallet frauds have not been witnessed so far, if we discount customer carelessness. However, there is an immense lack of awareness to understand this risk. Several business personalities are not taking cyber threats seriously.”

    “There is only one way to be alert and safe in today’s cyberspace and that rests on knowing your vulnerabilities and patching them before any fraudulent hacker can use it adversely,” he concluded. Recently, details of more than 3.2 million debit cards of some of the banks faced the threat of breach due to hacking.

    The user interface of India’s largest mobile payments and commerce platform on Android will be available in — English and in 10 different regional languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya and Punjabi. Paytm, which is India’s payments and commerce platform to offer multiple regional language interface, has expanded its reach to over 80% smartphone users in India, who prefer internet-based services in regional languages.

    Paytm senior vice president Deepak Abbot said, “With this new move, we are looking to push our share of customers from tier II and tier III cities from 50% to 70%.”

  • Via.com e-comm launches ‘Lite’ for mobile browsing

    Via.com e-comm launches ‘Lite’ for mobile browsing

    MUMBAI: Leading omni channel travel, retail and fintech company, Via.com, has launched a Lite version of its website for mobile browsing in India. The Lite version is aimed at helping users browse its website faster on their smart phones in areas with slow or poor internet connectivity.

    Via.com is the most comprehensive & consistently profitable travel e-commerce company with 10 years of experience & presence in six countries: India, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and UAE.

    “Via Lite” loads six times faster and provides a better experience to users in urban and rural areas with patchy networks. Another advantage of the Lite version is that it can be added as a bookmark on the mobile home screen. Other remarkable features include personalised notifications for the latest deals and vouchers and great offline experience. The offline experience would mean that in case of flaky internet connection, you can also search offline. However, the offline experience is currently available only in the airlines segment. VIA will extend this feature to the hotels, holidays and bus segment in the next three months.

    Via.com is one of Asia’s leading omni channel travel, retail & fintech company. Its distribution strategy includes enabling small businesses with an intuitive tech platform which helps them with best in class content, closed looped wallet and a range of CRM & accounting functionalities to run their business effectively.

    The version that has just been unveiled has already led to an increase in mobile bookings by 200 per cent in just one week.

    According to Via.com CTO Varun Gupta, “This feature is primarily for consumers using slower internet connections. “With powerful features like push notifications, offline access, add-to-home screen, fast page load and a smooth user interface, the main message is that you don’t need to choose between web or app. We are providing users with a frictionless and highly engaging experience on the mobile web.”

    Via.com launched its mobile app last year and has launched many innovative features, including fare calendar, various payment gateways, etc since then. Progressive web app (PWA) is a new technology which is intended to help website operators to instil their mobile websites with features typically associated with mobile apps. Known for its penchant for innovation, VIA is one of the few companies in India to join the PWA bandwagon.

  • Via.com e-comm launches ‘Lite’ for mobile browsing

    Via.com e-comm launches ‘Lite’ for mobile browsing

    MUMBAI: Leading omni channel travel, retail and fintech company, Via.com, has launched a Lite version of its website for mobile browsing in India. The Lite version is aimed at helping users browse its website faster on their smart phones in areas with slow or poor internet connectivity.

    Via.com is the most comprehensive & consistently profitable travel e-commerce company with 10 years of experience & presence in six countries: India, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and UAE.

    “Via Lite” loads six times faster and provides a better experience to users in urban and rural areas with patchy networks. Another advantage of the Lite version is that it can be added as a bookmark on the mobile home screen. Other remarkable features include personalised notifications for the latest deals and vouchers and great offline experience. The offline experience would mean that in case of flaky internet connection, you can also search offline. However, the offline experience is currently available only in the airlines segment. VIA will extend this feature to the hotels, holidays and bus segment in the next three months.

    Via.com is one of Asia’s leading omni channel travel, retail & fintech company. Its distribution strategy includes enabling small businesses with an intuitive tech platform which helps them with best in class content, closed looped wallet and a range of CRM & accounting functionalities to run their business effectively.

    The version that has just been unveiled has already led to an increase in mobile bookings by 200 per cent in just one week.

    According to Via.com CTO Varun Gupta, “This feature is primarily for consumers using slower internet connections. “With powerful features like push notifications, offline access, add-to-home screen, fast page load and a smooth user interface, the main message is that you don’t need to choose between web or app. We are providing users with a frictionless and highly engaging experience on the mobile web.”

    Via.com launched its mobile app last year and has launched many innovative features, including fare calendar, various payment gateways, etc since then. Progressive web app (PWA) is a new technology which is intended to help website operators to instil their mobile websites with features typically associated with mobile apps. Known for its penchant for innovation, VIA is one of the few companies in India to join the PWA bandwagon.

  • Why Uday Sodhi launched Liv Kids

    Why Uday Sodhi launched Liv Kids

    MUMBAI: First there was VootKids from the Viacom18 stable. And now Sony Pictures Networks India’s OTT service SonyLiv is tip-toeing into the kids entertainment space with the launch of its video on demand service Liv Kids.

    The content on the section features popular nursery rhymes like Pop Goes the Weasel, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Humpty Dumpty, Wheels on the Bus, etc. The section currently boasts 100+ videos (shows and rhymes) in English and Hindi free of cost and plans to add substantial amount of content around kids in sometime. The idea is to add more regional languages later apart from interesting kids content from international producers over time.

    “We studied the content consumption pattern of kids on various platforms like YouTube and in several international markets. The content that the kids use, time-spent and their loyalty towards that particular content which makes them come back to it again and again is great. It is higher than the consumption by our other normal users. The stickiness is very high. With the category offering an exciting range of nursery rhymes which are both fun and informative, we are confident that our younger audience will enjoy our latest addition to the fullest,” says SonyLiv EVP and head digital business Uday Sodhi.

    Though the platform does not have sponsors as yet, it is confident that advertisers will get on board pretty soon. Currently, run of site (ROS) ads can be viewed on the kids section.

    “The audience is very sensitive and the market is huge. With the penetration of internet in India getting higher, the kids segment is only set to grow. Once they get hooked, the content consumption will keep increasing. As far as advertisers are concerned, we do not want to put content or advertisements which do not fit completely in this space,” adds Sodhi.

    The videos can be viewed on SonyLiv’s website and mobile application, as well as on its YouTube channel.

    Being fast adopters of technology, kids are the first ones to become the digital consumers which often worry their parents. Digital streaming services like YouTube Kids and Voot, have come up with various parental control features so that they can keep an eye on what is searched by the child, timers to limit screen time and content restrictions.

    Though, Liv does not offer any such options as of yet mainly due to its kids oriented content, it will develop such options if there is a need. “It is too early for us to say whether we will have such options or how many hours of content will we have. If there is feedback, which we think can be applied to our platform, we will,” asserts Sodhi.

    As far as promotions are concerned, Sodhi opined that the conversations have already started and the OTT service will soon launch a complete marketing plan though he was chary of revealing any details.

    “SonyLiv’s commitment to providing the best and most relevant user-centric entertainment content is the reason behind the launch of Liv Kids. We are very hopeful of this and will see how this turns out to be for us,” concluded Sodhi.

    He surely isn’t kidding!

  • Why Uday Sodhi launched Liv Kids

    Why Uday Sodhi launched Liv Kids

    MUMBAI: First there was VootKids from the Viacom18 stable. And now Sony Pictures Networks India’s OTT service SonyLiv is tip-toeing into the kids entertainment space with the launch of its video on demand service Liv Kids.

    The content on the section features popular nursery rhymes like Pop Goes the Weasel, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Humpty Dumpty, Wheels on the Bus, etc. The section currently boasts 100+ videos (shows and rhymes) in English and Hindi free of cost and plans to add substantial amount of content around kids in sometime. The idea is to add more regional languages later apart from interesting kids content from international producers over time.

    “We studied the content consumption pattern of kids on various platforms like YouTube and in several international markets. The content that the kids use, time-spent and their loyalty towards that particular content which makes them come back to it again and again is great. It is higher than the consumption by our other normal users. The stickiness is very high. With the category offering an exciting range of nursery rhymes which are both fun and informative, we are confident that our younger audience will enjoy our latest addition to the fullest,” says SonyLiv EVP and head digital business Uday Sodhi.

    Though the platform does not have sponsors as yet, it is confident that advertisers will get on board pretty soon. Currently, run of site (ROS) ads can be viewed on the kids section.

    “The audience is very sensitive and the market is huge. With the penetration of internet in India getting higher, the kids segment is only set to grow. Once they get hooked, the content consumption will keep increasing. As far as advertisers are concerned, we do not want to put content or advertisements which do not fit completely in this space,” adds Sodhi.

    The videos can be viewed on SonyLiv’s website and mobile application, as well as on its YouTube channel.

    Being fast adopters of technology, kids are the first ones to become the digital consumers which often worry their parents. Digital streaming services like YouTube Kids and Voot, have come up with various parental control features so that they can keep an eye on what is searched by the child, timers to limit screen time and content restrictions.

    Though, Liv does not offer any such options as of yet mainly due to its kids oriented content, it will develop such options if there is a need. “It is too early for us to say whether we will have such options or how many hours of content will we have. If there is feedback, which we think can be applied to our platform, we will,” asserts Sodhi.

    As far as promotions are concerned, Sodhi opined that the conversations have already started and the OTT service will soon launch a complete marketing plan though he was chary of revealing any details.

    “SonyLiv’s commitment to providing the best and most relevant user-centric entertainment content is the reason behind the launch of Liv Kids. We are very hopeful of this and will see how this turns out to be for us,” concluded Sodhi.

    He surely isn’t kidding!

  • Satellite Evolution Group’s maritime, aviation, oil&gas web site launched

    Satellite Evolution Group’s maritime, aviation, oil&gas web site launched

    MUMBAI: The Satellite Evolution Group launched its new website. It has been created to deliver the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout.

    ‘Content is King’ and the new website is content-rich delivering information from the ground segment through to space. Information on vertical sectors such as maritime, aviation, oil&gas can all be found, quickly and efficiently, using the predictive site search function. News, articles, brochures, products, video and events are easily accessible, easy to navigate and easy to share with others.

    “The new website — satellite-evolution.com — features some fantastic improvements compared to our former design, allowing users to find exactly what they’re looking for at first glance. As well as more pleasing aesthetics, we’ve added a dedicated Articles portal, providing easier access to the latest content from the Satellite Evolution Group and our carefully-selected industry experts,” said Satellite Evolution Group editor Dr. Amy Saunders.

    An easy-access archive of the last year’s publications can be found under the Magazines category, all of which are still available for download free-of-charge. The newly-revamped Products section keeps users up to date on the latest technology developments, while our live Twitter feed and Events section help users to stay informed on key industry news.

    “It is now paramount to have a platform that can develop quickly and respond to the introduction of the latest online, content, delivery methods. All in all, we’re extremely pleased to have launched the new face of the Satellite Evolution Group,” said managing director David Shortland.

  • Satellite Evolution Group’s maritime, aviation, oil&gas web site launched

    Satellite Evolution Group’s maritime, aviation, oil&gas web site launched

    MUMBAI: The Satellite Evolution Group launched its new website. It has been created to deliver the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout.

    ‘Content is King’ and the new website is content-rich delivering information from the ground segment through to space. Information on vertical sectors such as maritime, aviation, oil&gas can all be found, quickly and efficiently, using the predictive site search function. News, articles, brochures, products, video and events are easily accessible, easy to navigate and easy to share with others.

    “The new website — satellite-evolution.com — features some fantastic improvements compared to our former design, allowing users to find exactly what they’re looking for at first glance. As well as more pleasing aesthetics, we’ve added a dedicated Articles portal, providing easier access to the latest content from the Satellite Evolution Group and our carefully-selected industry experts,” said Satellite Evolution Group editor Dr. Amy Saunders.

    An easy-access archive of the last year’s publications can be found under the Magazines category, all of which are still available for download free-of-charge. The newly-revamped Products section keeps users up to date on the latest technology developments, while our live Twitter feed and Events section help users to stay informed on key industry news.

    “It is now paramount to have a platform that can develop quickly and respond to the introduction of the latest online, content, delivery methods. All in all, we’re extremely pleased to have launched the new face of the Satellite Evolution Group,” said managing director David Shortland.

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.