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Category: iWorld

  • Video streaming fastest growing service on mobile data in India: Ericsson

    Video streaming fastest growing service on mobile data in India: Ericsson

    MUMBAI: Video streaming accounts for the fastest growing service on mobile data, followed by social networking.

     

    According to a report titled ‘The Changing Mobile Broadband Landscape’ released by Ericsson ConsumerLab, 70 per cent of mobile broadband smartphone users regularly stream videos on their smartphones, and 61 per cent use social networking. Indian smartphone users are also seeing greater potential in mobile broadband when it comes to facilitating the way they handle their money and personal finances. The convenience and improved experience makes m-commerce services attractive to Indian smartphone users.

     

    Of those users not using e-commerce services currently, 58 per cent stated that they would begin to do so in the next six months, while 52 per cent will use the Internet to pay bill online. Services like location navigation while travelling and cloud storage are also seeing an upswing in usage.

     

    The report highlights the evolving mobile broadband adoption and usage in urban India. The report reveals diverse behavior and needs of different mobile broadband users and the need for service providers to offer personalization. Users’ needs are evolving as usage of services and applications on smartphones is becoming a way of life.

     

    With the decrease in smartphone prices, the adoption of mobile internet within the lower socio-economic segment has increased over the last two years: from 38 per cent in 2013 to 45 per cent in 2015. Three in five smartphone users use mobile broadband in urban India. Mid-size and small cities are showing higher smartphone penetration levels at 33 per cent, as opposed to the smartphone penetration levels of 27 per cent in big non metros and large cities.

     

    At the same time, the proportion of smartphone users above the age of 50 has quadrupled, from one per cent in 2013 to four per cent in 2015. The primary motivation for this increase is the desire to be connected with loved ones in different parts of the country and the world, particularly through emails, chat applications and instant messaging.

     

    Ericsson India vice president and head of strategy and marketing Ajay Gupta says, “The Internet is finally coming of age and is empowering cross sections of Indian society. Though the most used smartphone services in India are for social networking and instant messaging, the usage of banking, e-commerce, navigation and cloud storage apps and services is increasing. It is for this reason we are seeing uptake and digital transformation of many industries like retail, transportation, and banking.”

     

    Users face differing mobile data issues depending upon location. Connection quality and reliability problems have a higher tendency to occur indoors, while session failures and poor app accessibility are problems faced by outdoor smartphone users. Sixty-three per cent of users report that they face quality and reliability issues, such as lost connections and inconsistent network speeds, when using mobile networks indoors. App-related issues while outdoors or commuting, such lengthy lag times, apps taking a long time to refresh, maps failing to load, and session failures affect 68 per cent of consumers. Such problems are more common in mid-size and small towns compared to large cities.

     

    For those consumers in India who do not use mobile broadband, affordability and digital literacy are the prime obstacles to adoption. While 88 per cent of Indian consumers on 2G feel that mobile broadband is too expensive, 53 per cent feel that mobile broadband adds no value and as many as 48 per cent believe there is no difference between 2G and 3G speeds.

     

    Mobile Internet usage is expected to grow with the consumers’ better understanding of the data plans on offer. As per the study, only 10 per cent of mobile Internet users feel they understand their plan perfectly, and are able to make an accurate judgment when deciding on a plan.

     

    Gupta says, “When consumers are confident in their understanding of what is offered, they tend to perceive better value from it. In fact, they consume twice as much data compared to users who find it difficult to understand their plan.”

     

    “Understanding the main aspects that are valued by customers can help service providers differentiate their offerings and improve consumer experience which would help increase consumer loyalty. Personalization is being positively viewed and increasingly demanded by consumers,” he adds.

  • Free streaming app Popcornflix launches on Amazon Fire TV

    Free streaming app Popcornflix launches on Amazon Fire TV

    MUMBAI: Free movie and TV streaming service Popcornflix has rolled out its app on  Amazon Fire TV.

     

    With this launch, Popcornflix is now available on a total of 10 different over-the-top (OTT) devices in the US, as well as on mobile and the web. Ten million users have downloaded Popcornflix so far.

     

    Popcornflix offers more than 2,000 free movies and television series on an ad-supported basis. Among the programs available on Amazon Fire TV are over 50 TV series, including Cheaters, The Man Show with Jimmy Kimmel and the thriller series ReGenesis staring Ellen Page.

     

    Also available for free are feature films such as Monster starring Charlize Theron, In Hell with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Henry’s Crime with Keanue Reeves, family classics like The Big Comfy Couch, as well as award-winning international cinema.

     

    “We want our audience to be able to watch Popcornflix from all major OTT devices, so we are really happy to add Amazon Fire TV to the pool of choices. We are also very pleased with the app design. It’s exceptionally clean and sleek, making for an easy and high quality user experience,” said Popcornflix executive vice president David Fannon.

     

    “We are thrilled to add Popcornflix and their free movies and television series to Amazon Fire TV. Amazon Fire TV is the best place to watch TV shows and movies and Popcornflix gives customers even more free content to love,” added Amazon Appstore vice president Steve Rabuchin.

     

    Popcornflix is an ad-supported platform wherein TV shows and films include pre-roll, spot ads and banner ads, offering content and advertising partners a great opportunity to connect with a next-generation TV and movie audience that prefers to stream their content wherever and whenever they choose.

     

    Popcornflix is also available on Roku, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation PS4 and PS3, Google TV, Android, iOS, Windows 8, the web and on many leading Smart TVs.

  • Vodafone soars high on Twitter Brand Index during IPL 8

    Vodafone soars high on Twitter Brand Index during IPL 8

    MUMBAI: The first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been breathtaking from both a cricketing stand point as well as the action being seen seeing from brands on Twitter.

     

    Just like it did during #CWC15, Twitter compiled a list of the top brands on this IPL. Using an aggregate of Re-Tweets, Favourites and Replies, the social networking site has created a Twitter IPL Advertiser Index to acknowledge the top five brands that have excelled in the opening two weeks of the tournament.

     

    The Twitter Brand Engagement Index and the details of what each brand did on the social networking site is as follows:

     

    1) @VodafoneIn- Vodafone has gained a lot of momentum in the first two weeks of IPL, through a contest called #VodafoneSpeedQuiz . With tickets to matches up for grab, the brand has been able to generate a lot of buzz through this campaign. The contest is a smart way for the brand to build equity on Faster Speeds which is core of their new campaign #SpeedIsGood

    https://twitter.com/VodafoneIN/status/587623871689449472

     

    2) @HotStarTweets – The Twitter account for Star’s Hotstar.com, @HotStarTweets generated a lot engagement around content based on updates from the games, teaser questions, trivia and a competition offering IPL tickets. @HotStarTweets is looking to take the platform’s content digital to greater users and been able to engage with the online Twitter user using the most topical bits of content

     

    3) @KingFisherWorld – The official handle of the good times this IPL; Kingfisher’s campaign idea is ‘Divided by teams, United by Kingfisher.’ With this, the company aims to bring the followers of all the IPL teams together on a common platform to celebrate and express their love for the game. They are also team sponsors for many IPL teams and it’s refreshing to see some great behind the scenes content from these teams, which @KingfisherWorld is sharing as well. The big hashtag this IPL for Kingfisher has been #UnitedByGoodTimes. This week the first preview of the new Kingfisher TVC was revealed online with the hashtag #OoLaLaLaLeO

     

    4) @FreeCharge – Freecharge is engaging users with a prediction contest this IPL with prizes up for grabs. Users are asked to predict outcomes of the game; a conversation that many users are more than happy to engage in.

     

    5) @OlaCabs – Ola is the official cab partner for five IPL teams namely Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL), Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan), Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip), Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers).

     

    With every match, users stand a chance to win two free tickets to the match from the “Ola app” through the ‘Hit the Match Day’ icon. The brand is building excitement and is increasing engagement around this contest, which is creating a good amount of buzz. They are promoting this activity by using the hashtag #ChaloNiklo.

  • DataVideo eyes 50% revenue from Indian market in 5-10 years

    DataVideo eyes 50% revenue from Indian market in 5-10 years

    MUMBAI: With the proliferation of digital devices and today’s ever changing market of always–on connectivity, broadcasters are looking beyond TV to stream and monetise their content.

     

    Keeping this in mind Broadcast Asia 2015 will unveil its new TV Everywhere! zone presenting the latest solutions to address increasing consumer expectations. One of these solutions is being offered will be from DataVideo, which has been participating in the summit for the last 17 years. With its slogan “Live in Seconds” it offers mobile video solutions.

     

    While currently India contributes to less then 10 per cent of the company’s overall revenues, DataVideo Singapore managing director Frank Lin is bullish on the Indian market and expects it to jump up to 50 per cent over the next five to ten years.

     

    Lin, who is optimistic about the various sports leagues coming up in India, tells Indiantelevision.com, “A lot of equipments, which are state of the art are required in sports broadcasting. How does one set up a studio? We offer a studio in a box. Through our integrated solutions, we can set up sports broadcasting equipments in 10-30 minutes of a day.”

     

    The target industries for DataVideo are broadcasting, audio video and weddings sectors along with educational and religious sectors. “Presently north, east and west regions of India are served by our Noida office and south India is served by our Cochin office,” informs Lin.

     

    Established in Taiwan in January 1985, the company has more than 200 employees worldwide. It also has close to 90 distributors in various countries.

     

    In India, Data Video works with channels like Doordarshan, ESPN, ACT TV, TV9, ETV, Zee TV etc. In the education sector, the company works with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Calicut Medical College and Manipal University.

     

    Some of their new line of products includes OBV-2800CCU, HRS 30 Field Recorder, NVS 25 Streaming Server and a SE 700 4-CH HD Switcher for the wedding video market.

     

    Broadcast Asia 2015 will be held from 2-5 June, 2015 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

     

  • Sky TV to convert 3D service to on-demand in June

    Sky TV to convert 3D service to on-demand in June

    NEW DELHI: Sky UK has decided to convert its 3D service into an on-demand service from 9 June and stop its dedicated 3D channel.

     

    Viewers will now have to take 3D content to download movies and programming from Sky’s on-demand service. Sky’s new ‘on demand’ 3D service depends on Sky’s customers having a broadband connection. Sky UK is continuing to promote its 3D service on its web-site.

     

    Closing the channel is expected to help create extra satellite bandwidth for Sky’s planned 4K service.

     

    Sky brand director of TV Products Luke Bradley-Jones said, “From June, Sky 3D is going fully on demand. From the latest 3D movie premieres like Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men Days of Future Past and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, to the very best in natural history with documentaries like Natural History Museum Alive, it will all be ready and waiting for our customers to view whenever it suits them.”

     

    Sky launched its dedicated 3D channel in 2010, along with Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia. Following the popularity of its football coverage on 3D in the 2014-15 season, Sky had in July last year changed its 3D broadcasting hours to an evening only service (7 pm-1 am) on Monday-Thursday and all-day on weekends.

     

    It may be noted that American sports network ESPN ended its dedicated 3D channel in June 2013.

  • India to see fourfold increase in OTT services by 2019: Calvin Koh

    India to see fourfold increase in OTT services by 2019: Calvin Koh

    MUMBAI: According to the FICCI-KPMG Media and Entertainment 2014 report, with 168 million TV households, India is the second largest TV market after China. However, there is scope for further growth in India’s broadcast industry.

     

    Concurring with the same is Singapore Exhibition Services assistant project director (communication events) Calvin Koh, who was in the city to speak about the upcoming Broadcast Asia 2015 Summit. The Summit will be held from 2-5 June 2015 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Koh says that the Indian broadcast industry is undergoing a big transformation. He informs that by 2019 India will see a fourfold increase in Over The Top (OTT) platforms as there will be major push for OTT service everywhere.  “Sports broadcasting will be another catalyst for this change. TV is going to be everywhere, not just limited to television sets,” he says. Broadcast Asia 2015 will have its spotlight this year on a TV Everywhere! Zone.

     

    With hurdles coming in way of a smooth digitisation process in India, Koh is still hopeful. “I don’t expect a sudden overhaul.  India has the potential for increasing consumption for TV. Regardless of the hurdles, we need to see trendsetters in the broadcasting space,” he says. 

    He went on to explain that broadcasters today need to be present on multiple screens. With regards to sports broadcasting, the executive with 18 years of experience in the industry, remarks sports broadcasting will be a strong driver for content consumption in India. “India is doing well and we are confident,” he says. 

     

    For Koh, TV serials and films still are largely untapped markets and have strong potential to drive growth and reach audiences. He equates the growth for Bollywood films in the same manner as it worked for the successful proliferation of Korean dramas in non Korean markets.

     

    When asked to list challenges faced by the Indian broadcast space, Koh says, “Content is of concern.” He says broadcasters and content creators need to come up with relevant stories that sell. 

    “Good content should also be materialized and repurposed to be consumed on tablets and mobile screens. With more broadband options, and faster upload times, there is variety and options of TV everywhere. Media analytics also help advertisers who views what where and at what time, which is essential,” he says. 

    With regards to OTT platforms and broadcasters, Koh says that they need to understand consumer behavior. “While there is no lack of potential, investments in infrastructure by the two and content should go hand in hand,” he concludes.

  • Ofcom to make cost of phoning TV and radio shows clearer

    Ofcom to make cost of phoning TV and radio shows clearer

    MUMBAI: Ofcom has made changes that will make the cost of entering phone-ins, competitions and votes on TV and radio programmes simpler to understand.

     

    In the UK, broadcasters often invite people to interact with shows in this way using phone numbers starting 084, 087 and 09.

     

    From 1 July, the cost of calling those numbers will be made up of two parts: an ‘access charge’ going to the caller’s phone company, and a ‘service charge’ set by the broadcaster.

     

    All TV and radio programmes using the numbers – from talent shows to quizzes, phone-ins and entertainment programmes offering a prize – will include the service charge for calling.

     

    Clear prices are important because the cost of interacting with programmes varies considerably. Some calls may cost a few pence, but others may cost more than ?2 per minute.

     

    Under the current system, viewers and listeners are typically given information such as:

     

    “Calls cost Xp from a BT landline. Other landlines may vary and calls from mobiles may cost considerably more.”

     

    That will change from 1 July, when broadcasters will explain their service charge using a form of words such as: Calls cost Xp plus your phone company’s access charge.

    Phone companies – both landline and mobile – will have to give customers a single access charge for all calls to 084, 087 and 09 numbers, stating it clearly on bills and when a customer takes out a new phone contract. Viewers and listeners can then work out the exact cost of interacting with a show.

     

    Ofcom has also published changes to the Broadcasting Code, the rules governing standards in TV and radio programmes in the UK, to reflect the new charging structure and explain how broadcasters should communicate the cost of calls to viewers and listeners.

     

    As well as TV and radio shows, 08 and 09 numbers are used by millions of people every week to contact businesses and organisations or pay for premium services.

     

    From 1 July, the cost of calling these numbers – as well as 118 directory enquiries – will be made up of an access and service charge, so callers can work out the exact cost before they dial.

     

    On the same day, calls to Freephone (0800 and 0808) numbers will be become free from all consumer phones – including mobiles.

     

    Together, the changes on 1 July will affect 175 million telephone numbers, making this the biggest overhaul of phone calls in more than a decade. The changes are being communicated by Ofcom and phone companies, working together under the banner UK Calling.

     

    Effective immediately, adverts explaining the new charging system will be broadcast across major commercial radio stations, followed by newspaper adverts.

     

    Major landline and mobile phone providers are now sending leaflets about the changes to millions of customers who take a paper phone bill.

     

    Ofcom CEO Sharon White said, “In July we’ll see the biggest changes to phone calls in over a decade, affecting 175 million phone numbers. The changes are important for people who enjoy interacting with their favourite shows, but also for everyone calling companies and organisations on 08, 09 and 118 numbers. People can look out for more information from their phone company, or visit the UK Calling website.”

  • TSPs asked to ensure transparency in mobile billing, cut call drops

    TSPs asked to ensure transparency in mobile billing, cut call drops

    NEW DELHI: The Government has told Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) that the public in general was highly dissatisfied with frequent and heavy call drops throughout the day and that were not confined to peak calling hours, which shows poor quality of the telecom networks.

     

    Briefing TSPs about the falling perception in the public with regard to poor quality of telecom services in the country in general and with special emphasis on degrading quality in Metros, the TSPs were today also told about the perception of the public that such call drops are deliberate attempts to have multiple charging and consequent commercial gain.

     

    It was also noticed that the billing by TSPs is not transparent and there are frequent changes in the package rates, contrary to initial agreed upon package, without the consent of the customer.

     

    The meeting chaired by Telecom secretary and Telecom Commission chairman Rakesh Garg was held following a recent Calling Attention Notice in Parliament in various public forums as well as in the media. 

    In case of international roaming, TSPs do not have any warning system about the tariffs to be charged for various applications, that is, data download, which result in many complaints of heavy charging of the customer. There have been frequent complaints of charging even though the customer has already disconnected or has not used the services of the TSPs. 

    The TSPs gave an assurance to look into the billing complaints on a priority basis and set up a transparent system to educate the customers about various tariffs being charged so that billing complaints are minimized. 

     

    The TSPs also highlighted the delay in acquisition of new sites for additional towers because of fear of EMF radiation in the public, closure of existing tower sites because of local bodies’ regulations and delay in getting permission from local bodies for laying/ repair of cables etc. 

    Garg emphasized the need for utmost integrity of the billing system and charging of telecom customers and to bring in place a transparent and foolproof billing mechanism with provisions for timely intimation and consent of the customer to effect any changes in the tariff plan, especially in case of national and international roaming. 

     

    It was also emphasized that TSPs should take further steps to educate the public about the stringent EMF norms being followed in India. It should be highlighted through seminars and public meetings that there are no harmful effects of tower radiations. The education material as well as seminars should also be conducted in vernacular languages. To improve the quality of the network to reduce frequent call drops, it was emphasized that the TSPs should optimize their RF network extensively in a regular and routine matter. 

     

    DoT has also written from time to time to various State Governments/ Local Bodies to facilitate the acquisition of tower sites, permissions for laying/ repair of cables in line with guidelines issued by the Department. The TSPs should also follow the guidelines issued by local bodies in this regard. He emphasized that in no case these can become shield for poor service in the public perception and all the TSPs should take all possible steps to improve the quality of service and deal with customers’ complaints promptly. 

     

    All the TSPs assured they would take all necessary measures to bring transparency in the billing system and to improve the overall quality of telecom services in the shortest possible time.

  • Shopclues.com organises Mumbai’s first Sellers’s Summit

    Shopclues.com organises Mumbai’s first Sellers’s Summit

    MUMBAI: While it’s a general trend to see e-commerce companies organising events for their consumers, Mumbai saw its first Sellers’ Summit for the benefit of all the merchants organised by Shopclues.com.

     

    Close to 250 top retailers across categories of ShopClues attended the event from all over Maharashtra and Gujarat, including companies like Sukkhi, Gitanjali and HUL amongst others.

     

    Commending the organisers for a refreshing concept like this, entrepreneur and social philanthropist Ronnie Screwvala said, “I appreciate the efforts of the ShopClues team for conceptualising the unique initiative of the Sellers’ Summit to acknowledge the contributions of merchants across the country. E-commerce has fuelled the startup community in India and ShopClues has taken this potent phenomenon to its next stage.”

     

    Shopclues.com CEO and co-founder Sanjay Sethi added, “The objective is to show them our appreciation for the significant contributions they make towards our inventory and customer service excellence. Without them playing the role of pivotal stakeholders, we wouldn’t have been able to reach our present-day success.”

     

    The highlight of the Sellers’ Summit was when Screwvala handed over the Merchant Awards to handpicked retailers for their outstanding work in various spheres.

  • Goal partners with Times Internet to drive growth in India

    Goal partners with Times Internet to drive growth in India

    NEW DELHI: Digital sports content company Perform Group’s portal Goal has entered into a strategic partnership with Times Internet for delivering worldwide content. 

     

    Through this partnership, Goal is looking to continue its growth in India, leveraging Times Internet’s 100 million monthly unique users. Perform and Times Internet will collaborate in creating a unique blend of local and international football coverage.

     

    As part of the collaboration, Times Internet will have exclusive rights to the Goal brand in India and will drive local commercialization of Goal across both desktop and mobile. Perform will continue to leverage the Indian edition for key regional and global partnerships.

     

    A key enabler for the growth of the partnership will be Times Group’s ability to cross-promote the Goal brand, both across its wider sports vertical and offline publications. Both of these initiatives are set to position Goal as the pre-eminent football destination in India.

     

    Times Global Partners (TGP) business head Puneet Singhvi said, “The partnership with one of the largest global football sites gives us an ideal platform to build a strong destination for the rapidly growing base of soccer enthusiasts in India. We aim to use this partnership to evangelize the sport and make it more mainstream. We also look forward to working with Indian and International advertisers to roll out sponsorship and other advertising opportunities for this sought after and affluent audience segment.”

     

    Perform Group Media Asia-Pacific EVP James Peel added, “Goal’s partnership with Times Internet and the Times of India property is an incredibly exciting development in the growth of Goal, both locally in India and regionally. Not only does it reinforce Goal’s standing as the leading football property globally, but leverages a time of unprecedented interest in Football in India. Times of India is the leading digital publisher in India and, combining Goal’s unique IP and content with India’s largest online audience, we will deliver a range of unique and compelling digital advertising opportunities for brands and advertisers.”