ITV

Category: Hardware

  • Tata Power Renewable Energy partners with Rajasthan discoms to boost solar adoption

    Tata Power Renewable Energy partners with Rajasthan discoms to boost solar adoption

    MUMBAI: This one should be of interest to the television broadcasters, telecom companies, DTH players, and cable TV MSOs and operators.  A bane of most of these has been the sudden power breakdowns in the tier two and tier three towns. With the installation of rooftop solar power cells, the power tripping would be a thing of the past. 

    Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan’s discoms — Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd(AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd  (JDVVNL). The collaboration aims to accelerate renewable energy adoption across the state, with a focus on promoting the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY) in residential sectors.

    The agreement was formalised in the presence of Alok, additional chief secretary (energy); Arti Dogra, chairperson of the discoms; and senior officials from TPREL, including Deepesh Nanda, chief executive officer &  managing director, and Shivram Bikkina, chief of solar rooftop & EV charging.

    The initiative will prioritise rooftop solar installations in cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Bikaner, with plans for statewide expansion. Joint campaigns will promote solar adoption, providing households with affordable clean energy. The partnership also offers exclusive pricing and vendor training to ensure efficient installations.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Arti Dogra said, “This partnership marks a significant step towards positioning Rajasthan as a leader in solar energy adoption. By advancing initiatives like PMSG:MBY, we aim to provide clean, affordable energy access and bolster the state’s renewable energy infrastructure.”

    Deepesh Nanda added, “Our partnership with Rajasthan discoms reflects our commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future. Leveraging TPREL’s extensive experience, we aim to expedite solar adoption and support Rajasthan’s renewable energy transition.”

    As part of the Tata Group, Tata Power holds a diverse 15.5 GW portfolio, with 43% dedicated to clean energy. The company remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and continues to play a leading role in India’s clean energy transformation.

  • The Role of Digital Identity Verification in Ensuring Safer Online Play

    The Role of Digital Identity Verification in Ensuring Safer Online Play

    In early 2024, Greek game developer Kaizen announced a partnership with biometrics experts Jumio to streamline its user bank account verification. This type of arrangement is being adopted across the global gaming industry and shaping the future of identity verification in gaming.

    For an average gamer, gaming is all about knowing the rummy and poker game rules and excelling in the games. But real money games like poker involve fund transfers and withdrawals. Gamers also share personal information on the gaming platforms that they would want to be kept protected. In a nutshell, online gaming sees the exchange of personal and financial data whose protection is paramount. Digital identity verification is a step forward towards this protection.

    Braving an Identity Crisis

    Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Transaction (KYT) procedures have helped financial institutions secure their business from mismanagement and malpractices. This is what is needed in the gaming industry as well, as reiterated by Jumio’sAsiaPac VP, Frederic Ho, at the 6th ASEAN Gaming Summit. Banks have used advanced online verification processes to transition from face-to-face to online interactions. Gaming companies, on the other hand, are having to face the challenges of the cyberworld upfront.

    In most countries, only adults are allowed to play real money games. Gaming platforms must ensure that appropriate age checks are in place to ensure this. Games also need to eliminate bots at all times and counter sophisticated challenges like AI-generated deepfakes. Concerningly, AI-powered deepfake scams have increased by 10 times between 2022 and 2023.

    Besides, the perennial threat of identity theft and fraud is also present in the gaming industry. Fraudsters even go on to take over gaming accounts through phishing and exploit them. Scammers also create multiple accounts to overwhelm users with fake bonuses and offers.

    Identity theft and hacking are two of the most common forms of fraud encountered by 67% and 61% of gamers, respectively. Upgrades in digital identity verification are, therefore, vital for gaming platforms.

    How Does Digital Identity Verification Help?

    Companies are going for various identity verification systems, even if it comes at a cost. For a few cents to a dollar per verification, these systems are securing identifications in various user-heavy industries. Verification service providers offer packages where companies buy services for a certain volume and, again, later if required.

    18% of young Indians in the age group of 5 to 14 engage in online games. To discourage financial misuse among these gamers, age verification becomes vital in real money games. Identity verification nowadays uses facial biometrics and cross-checking the results with the identity documents. This reduces the chances of a minor’s entry into the gaming ecosystem. Advanced facial biometrics is also important, considering that 73% of all frauds detected in Q1 2024 were selfie mismatches.

    Gaming platforms must ensure ease of use when deploying these processes. A streamlined digital identity verification process combines security with minimised clicks and fast account opening.  
    According to a study, 29% of web traffic in online gaming is caused by bad bots. These days, verification processes can even confirm the presence of a real human in front of the camera. Liveness detection technology detects human presence in the game to eliminate the threat of bots and deepfakes. This technology can also ensure that the face with impressive expertise in pokergame rules is not just an image, a video or a replay.

    Ticking the Right Boxes

    With safety as the primary focus, digital identity verification processes also enhance the user experience. These systems are curtailing the identity verification process and its waiting time. A smaller number of gamers end up abandoning the verification process midway through the process.

    User retention and conversion rates are important metrics for online gaming platforms. A fast and streamlined verification process keeps these rates high. Their role in maintaining top security standards is vital at a time when fraud in online gaming has been increasing at 64% year-on-year in the last two years. Apart from the selfie mismatches and the AI deepfakes, the cyber world also bears more grave threats, such as money laundering, be it in poker matches or multiplayer battle royales.

    For gaming companies, using an advanced digital identity verification process is not just about safety and uninterrupted user experience. Gaming companies in India now need to follow stricter KYC mandates, thanks to recent Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regulations. The MeitY regulations expect that gaming companies address the pertinent fraud issues faced in the industry, such as multi-accounting, account takeover, counterfeiting of documents, money laundering, etc.

    Advanced identity verification tick boxes that go beyond safe gameplay.

    Towards Total Safety

    The sophisticated innovations in verification systems have given gaming platforms a great opportunity. Along with safe online play, seamless account usage and regulatory compliance are achievable for platforms with one smart infrastructural investment. 
     

  • Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    Tejas Networks appoints Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president and chief strategy & business officer

    MUMBAI: Tata group optical, broadband and data networking products company Tejas Networks has announced the appointment of Sanjay Malik as executive vice-president, chief strategy & business officer, and senior managerial personnel, effective 30 January 2025. His tenure will continue until his resignation or retirement, as per the company’s internal human resource policy.

    Sanjay Malik, a respected business leader in the ICT sector, brings extensive global experience and a proven track record in driving growth and transformative initiatives. Known for his integrity, ethics, and action-oriented leadership style, he has delivered exceptional results in challenging business environments. Malik will work closely with managing director  Anand Athreya and the senior leadership team to shape corporate strategy, oversee business management, and engage with stakeholders.

    During his tenure as senior vice-president and India country head at Nokia Networks, Malik transformed the company into an undisputed market leader within three years, achieving record revenues. He successfully grew Nokia’s market share across wireless and wireline portfolios by focusing on cross-portfolio solutions and new customer acquisition.

    Malik’s career spans roles at Cap Gemini, HP, and Tata Unisys. An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he also holds a postgraduate degree in business management from the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai.

    The appointment, approved by the board of directors based on the nomination and remuneration committee’s recommendations, aligns with Tejas Networks’ strategic goals.

  • Act Fibernet rolls out AI-powered Act SmartWi-Fi® for seamless connectivity

    Act Fibernet rolls out AI-powered Act SmartWi-Fi® for seamless connectivity

    MUMBAI: Say goodbye to buffering and dead zones! Act Fibernet has unveiled its game-changing ‘Act SmartWi-Fi®’, powered by AI, designed to deliver an unparalleled Wi-Fi experience. So, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working remotely, this innovation ensures top-notch connectivity across all your devices, 24×7, in every corner of your home.

    The magic behind this transformation? ‘Act Zippy’, a proprietary router operating system that upgrades traditional Wi-Fi to a smart, self-optimising marvel. Powered by AI and developed in collaboration with Aprecomm.ai, Act Zippy detects potential interferences in your network and resolves them in real-time using advanced features like channel switching and band steering.

    Act Fibernet chief marketing & customer experience officer Ravi Karthik summed it up perfectly, “With the number of devices connected to home Wi-Fi increasing significantly, providing a superior Wi-Fi experience is our key focus area. Act SmartWi-Fi® scans your unique home environment and automatically improves the Wi-Fi experience for all connected devices.”

    ‘Act SmartWi-Fi®’ not only promises seamless connectivity but also adds a sprinkle of cheer with its new mascot, ‘Act Zippy’, a dynamic representation of reliability and intelligence.

    Act Zippy uses advanced AI to proactively monitor and optimise your in-home Wi-Fi. It ensures you can stream in 4K without a hitch, play online games without lag and conduct Zoom calls without pixelated faces.

    Starting 10 January 2025, all new customers in select cities will automatically be onboarded to the Act SmartWi-Fi® platform. Existing customers eligible for the update will receive it in phases – and here’s the best part – it’s completely free!

    The Act team isn’t stopping here. With a promise to revolutionise the home Wi-Fi space, they’re rolling out a 360-degree campaign across outdoor media, digital platforms, and the Act Fibernet App to keep users informed about the latest innovations.

    So, are you ready to experience Wi-Fi that’s as smart as you or maybe more (definitely more)? 

  • Times Network hosts Digit Zero1 Awards in New Delhi

    Times Network hosts Digit Zero1 Awards in New Delhi

    MUMBAI: The Digit Zero1 Awards 2024, hosted by Times Network, celebrated outstanding advancements in technology and innovation, recognizing 71 winners across three categories. the Digit Zero1 Award, Digit Best Buy Award, and Digit Popular Choice Award. With over two decades of expertise and leadership in consumer technology, the Digit Zero1 Awards 2024 is recognized as the Industry’s only performance-based awards, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence in technology and innovation.  The event, held in the capital city, brought together industry leaders to honor excellence in consumer technology.

    Driving the essence of these awards was a rigorous and scientific testing process conducted at Digit’s in-house testing labs. Each device was meticulously evaluated through 100+ tests conducted across key performance parameters in each category.  Winners in each category were determined based on a comprehensive performance analysis of their total scores, ensuring only the very best products were honoured. In 2024 alone, Digit’s team of experts tested over 1,000 products, setting a benchmark for thoroughness and reliability in the evaluation process, rewarding the best in each category. 

    winners

    • Beyond celebrating technological achievements, the awards served as a platform to spark meaningful conversations about the future of consumer technology. The event featured two thought-provoking panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and visionaries. The panels, titled ‘Predicting the Future of Consumer Tech in India – AI, 5G, AIoT, and More,’ and ‘Rise of India in Tech: Home-grown Brands and Their Success Story,’ delved into transformative trends shaping the tech landscape, integration of artificial intelligence, the expansion of 5G, evolution of AIoT, and the remarkable contributions of Indian brands in driving innovation and establishing India as a global technology powerhouse. 

      Delivering the special address, former union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “India, after many years of hibernation and being almost absent from the global electronics value chains and innovation discourse, has in the last four to five  years made a very significant presence. A decade ago, electronics manufacturing in India was dominated by domestic brands getting products designed outside and manufactured in China. In the last three to four  years, we are seeing not just global and Indian brands being manufactured here, but also being designed to be manufactured here. This transformation across the value chain—design, manufacturing, and testing—has been enabled by the Government of India’s pivot from an import substitution framework to an export-led electronics manufacturing and design framework. The three important trends to lookout for are, digitization, as products are becoming smarter, connected, and with AI, even smarter connected products. The second trend is India’s growing footprint in the global value chains post-COVID. The third trend is the emergence of highly intelligent digital products powered by AI and edge AI. Advancements in local AI and groundbreaking chip architectures from companies like Nvidia are driving a once-in-a-lifetime shift, replacing legacy architectures in automotive, industrial, and consumer tech with new, transformative platforms that redefine electronics innovation.” 

      Speaking at the event,  Times Network  COO & president digital Rohit Chadda announced:  “Digit provides the most authoritative product reviews and ratings in India, helping readers and consumers make the most informed decisions about their tech purchases. In 2024, Digit facilitated over Rs.200 Crore worth of online purchases through its platforms which displays the trust consumers have in our product reviews and testing methodology. Digit will take its commitment to authentic and objective product reviews a step further with the launch of a new state-of-the-art testing lab in New Delhi. Equipped with the latest technology, the lab shall extend Digit’s device testing capabilities to new product categories like home appliances using a rigorous testing methodology, delivering precise and comprehensive evaluations.” 

  • Bharath Kumar takes over as APAC president of AV solutions company Kramer

    Bharath Kumar takes over as APAC president of AV solutions company Kramer

    MUMBAI: Audiovisual experiences company Kramer has announced a significant leadership transition in its Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Effective 15 January  2025, Bharath Kumar has taken  over as president, Kramer APAC, succeeding Marc A. Remond, who has stepped down from his position.

    Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a global presence, Kramer’s audiovisual experts are pioneering the future of engagement technology. From AVSM solutions to cloud-based communication and collaboration technologies, Kramer aims to create more engaging, inclusive, and connected environments.

    Bharath Kumar, a veteran with 19 years at the company, is well-equipped for this pivotal role, having played a key part in the company’s growth and market presence. His contributions include establishing Kramer India, managing global accounts, and serving as the APAC vice-president sales.

    Kumar is recognised as a respected leader in the audiovisual industry, with deep knowledge of the company’s business and strong regional relationships that promise continuity and a solid foundation for future expansion.

    Marc A. Remond has made notable contributions during his tenure, including the establishment of Kramer’s new regional headquarters in the APAC region and the cultivation of strong market partnerships. The company  extended its heartfelt gratitude to Marc for his leadership and wished him success in his future endeavours.

    Kramer CEO Gilad Yron expressed confidence in the leadership transition: “As we look ahead, I am confident that Bharath’s extensive experience, industry leadership, and strategic vision will further elevate Kramer’s presence and impact in this critical region. At the same time, we are grateful to Marc for his leadership and the strong foundation he has built for Kramer’s success in APAC.”

  • Asha Kulkarni joins Rise advisory board to promote gender diversity in mediatech

    Asha Kulkarni joins Rise advisory board to promote gender diversity in mediatech

    MUMBAI: Asha Kulkarni, vice-president of  partnerships &  ecosystem**  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel), has announced her involvement with the Rise advisory board, a nonprofit organization that champions gender diversity within the broadcasting and media technology sectors. 

    Under the leadership of Shivani Kochhar in India, Rise focuses on impactful initiatives designed to empower women through programs like an annual mentoring initiative, the Rise Awards that honor outstanding women, and the Rise Up Academy that aims to inspire the next generation. Recently, media veteran Sulina Menon too had been co-opted onto  the board too. 

    Asha expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s a privilege to contribute to empowering women and promoting inclusivity in our field. Serving as a mentor for the past year has been incredibly rewarding.” She invites others to support Rise and join their dynamic community.

    With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Asha has developed expertise in launching and scaling OTT/D2C platforms, managing large delivery teams, and fostering strategic partnerships across the media value chain.

  • Netgear names regional heads to strengthen strategic market leadership

    Netgear names regional heads to strengthen strategic market leadership

    MUMBAI: Is leadership born or forged through experience?

    Imagine a world without connectivity—the heartbeat of modern businesses would stall.

    Just as a company thrives on sales, the networking industry thrives on innovation and strategic leadership. Who better to drive this growth than seasoned sales veterans with a knack for building connections that go beyond cables and routers?

    Netgear, a global powerhouse in networking solutions, is rewriting its growth story with a bold move: appointing Annamalai AR as the country sales head for the middle east and Africa (MEA), and Abhishek as the sales leader for India, SAARC, and Mauritius.

    These appointments signal more than just leadership changes—they mark a strategic leap into untapped opportunities across high-potential markets.

    The question is, how will these changes shape the future of connectivity?

    Annamalai, a veteran with 11 years of dedicated service at Netgear, will now oversee sales and operations in the MEA region, including Israel, Turkey, and North Africa. Known for his exceptional track record and deep market insights, Annamalai is poised to capitalise on the growing demand for tailored networking solutions in the dynamic MEA landscape.

    “I am honoured to take on this expanded role and contribute to Netgear’s success in the MEA region. These markets present immense potential, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation to drive growth and deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Annamalai.

    Abhishek, recognised for his strategic vision and leadership, will now lead Netgear’s sales and operations across India, SAARC, and Mauritius. His unwavering dedication and proven ability to exceed expectations make him the ideal choice to further strengthen Netgear’s presence in these diverse markets.

    “This new role is an exciting challenge, and I am eager to collaborate with our teams and partners to further enhance Netgear’s market leadership in India and neighbouring regions. Together, we will continue delivering impactful solutions to our customers,” said Abhishek.

    Netgear, APAC senior director – commercial, Marthesh Nagendra praised the new appointments, “Both Annamalai and Abhishek have been integral to Netgear’s success in their respective markets. Their leadership, dedication, and vision are essential as we continue to expand our global presence and redefine connectivity for customers worldwide.”

    These appointments align with Netgear’s mission to lead the future of connectivity by fostering innovation and nurturing leadership talent. By empowering regional leaders, Netgear is positioning itself to deliver robust, customer-centric solutions while driving growth in the rapidly evolving networking industry.

  • CES’25: Adata to showcase XPG gaming & Adata Industrial storage brands

    CES’25: Adata to showcase XPG gaming & Adata Industrial storage brands

    LAS VEGAS: The excitement around  the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 to be held in Vegas is building up with a slew of new  technologies and products set to be launched and displayed by various global players.

    Memory module and flash memory innovator, Adata Technology, will be showcasing its gaming sub-brand XPG and industrial-grade embedded storage brand Adata  Industrial.

    The company will be bringing its theme of Innovate for a Better Tomorrow to the Venetian in Las Vegas, located at  booth Titian #2204 from 7-10 January. An online exhibition is being launched during this period for consumers around the world to experience a full range of innovative products in real time. You can log on to it here:  https://event.adata.com/CES2025

    Three exhibition zones, each with an overarching theme, have been planned for this year’s CES.

    The Artificial Intelligence Computing Solutions Zone will showcase XPG AIcore DDR5 R-Dimm overclocked memory and XPG Lancer Cudimm RGB DDR5 gaming memory. Additional products in this zone include the XPG Defender SFF small form factor commercial chassis and XPG Edgecore TFX power supply, which are designed to meet the needs of edge computing systems and demonstrate Adata’s comprehensive investment in the evolution of the AI  era. 

    The Innovative Technology and Smart Mobile Lifestyle Zone  will see the launch of multiple Gen5 SSD cooling solutions and highlight the world’s first eco-friendly XPG Lancer NeonRGB DDR5 gaming memory with PCB heat dissipating coating, creating a new benchmark for cooling and efficient data transfer in the high-speed storage industry.

    The Xtreme Performance Gear Zone will showcase highly efficient gaming systems, top-notch power supplies, and cooling solutions, taking gaming applications to a new level. Each exhibit combines innovative technologies and high-performance products, and consumers around the world can join online for a one-of-a-kind experience!

  • Ossify to launch Compaq subscription TV package on 5 January

    Ossify to launch Compaq subscription TV package on 5 January

    MUMBAI: Here’s another player  which says it is entering the subscription television arena. Compaq TV maker Ossify Industries  says it is launching a subscription-based smart LED TV bundled with a comprehensive three-in-one package starting from  Rs 999, all available through the its  hybrid LED app.

    The subscription-based TV is being offered In collaboration with a  broadband and Wi-Fi service provider.  Users can end up owning a smart LED TV in just three years through the plan the company has drawn up.

    “We are on a mission to bring the magic of high-quality entertainment into every home,” said Ossify Industries CEO Sandeep Chaudhary. “With our new package, we’re not just offering a TV; we’re providing an experience that combines cutting-edge technology with unbeatable value. It’s time for every family to enjoy their favorite movies, shows, and many more.”

    The bundle is set to officially launch in January, with pre-booking beginning on 5 January. A press release issued by the company gives no details, but promises that viewers can enjoy seamless connectivity with reliable broadband services, access leading OTT platforms.

    But the press release raises a few questions: Is the CompaqTV  product offering including a mass of channels and OTT platforms a  la DorTV is? Or is it just following DorTV to get  a beneficial rub-off from the hype around it and attempting to make a splash by repackaging its earlier TV plus offerings?  

    That we probably will know at the time of the launch.