ITV

Category: Technology

  • Gemini AI now remembers chats, offers smarter replies

    Gemini AI now remembers chats, offers smarter replies

    MUMBAI: Google has introduced a new memory feature for its Gemini AI chatbot, enabling it to recall past conversations and provide more context-aware responses.

    Previously, Gemini could only remember user preferences upon request. With its expanded memory, the chatbot can now review entire conversations, answer follow-up questions, and summarise past discussions. This allows users to continue chats seamlessly without searching through old messages.

    Google assures users that they have full control over their stored data. Users can review, delete, or set a retention period for their chat history. The memory feature can also be fully disabled via the settings menu by turning off Gemini apps activity.

    Testing of the feature showed that Gemini effectively retrieved and consolidated information from multiple past chats. A ‘Source and related content’ section is also included, citing previous conversations. However, this functionality is currently limited to fully released models such as Gemini 2.0 flash and 1.5 pro, excluding experimental versions.

  • Clevertap earns spot in Gartner Quadrant for AI-powered personalisation

    Clevertap earns spot in Gartner Quadrant for AI-powered personalisation

    MUMBAI : Clevertap, the all-in-one customer engagement platform, has earned a spot in the latest Gartner Magic Quadrant for personalisation engines as a niche player. Recognised for its completeness of vision and ability to execute, the company continues to push boundaries in AI-driven personalisation, helping brands craft more meaningful and data-driven customer experiences.

    Clevertap’s personalisation suite offers an AI-powered approach to customer engagement, integrating a customer data platform (CDP), analytics, experimentation, and orchestration across key digital touchpoints. The company claims its solutions improve conversion rates by up to seven times, allowing brands across industries such as finance, retail, and entertainment—to deliver meaningful, tailored experiences.

    Clevertap co-founder & chief product officer Anand Jain commented, “Being included in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for personalisation engines is a proud milestone. We believe this recognition validates our commitment to innovation, particularly through our AI-powered features like auto-routing journeys (IntelliNode) and emotionally intelligent messaging (Scribe). Our mission remains to help brands scale engagement across channels while driving measurable growth.”

    The Magic Quadrant evaluates industry providers across four categories: Leaders, challengers, visionaries, and niche players, offering insights into a rapidly evolving market.  

  • Vidhu Aul joins Responsible AI UK as partnerships manager

    Vidhu Aul joins Responsible AI UK as partnerships manager

    MUMBAI:  Vidhu Aul has been appointed partnerships manager at Responsible AI UK, where she will contribute to advancing ethical AI development, evaluation, and governance through strategic research-led initiatives.

    Aul brings over 15 years of diverse experience spanning communications, partnerships, community outreach, content creation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Her impressive career journey includes roles at leading organisations such as Watatawa, NVPC, Edelman, BBC, and Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India).

    During her five-year tenure at the BBC, she played a pivotal role in driving media partnerships and outreach initiatives for the dynamic South Asian market. She also led a global presenter publicity and brand positioning project during a secondment to BBC’s London headquarters, enhancing the broadcaster’s visibility in India.

    Aul’s independent consulting work further includes collaborations with Ogilvy Singapore, United Way Mumbai, CNN Create, and FSG. Her contributions extend to volunteer work with Futerra, UN Women Singapore, and the Singapore Tourism Board.

    Beyond communications, Aul has explored the transformative potential of AI for small and medium enterprises, focusing on enhancing product development and profitability. Her passion for digital innovation aligns with her recent certification in applied generative AI for digital transformation from MIT and SEO/SEM strategies from the London Business School.

    A passionate traveller, Aul has authored travel features for CNN, The Straits Times, Conde Nast Traveler, India Today, and other prestigious publications across Asia.

    Aul holds a double major in psychology and anthropology from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, along with a postgraduate diploma in social communication media. She is currently pursuing a part-time master’s degree in digital culture and society at King’s College London, set to conclude in 2026.

    Her appointment at Responsible AI UK marks a significant step as the organisation strengthens its mission to harness AI for ethical and responsible solutions.

  • Zixi strengthens commercial leadership with key recruitments

    Zixi strengthens commercial leadership with key recruitments

    MUMBAI:  IP-based live video transport and observability software provider Zixi has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Josh Wiggins as chief commercial officer and Kris Alexander as vice president of product and industry marketing.

    These strategic hires come as Zixi continues to expand its market footprint and drive innovation in next-generation video contribution and distribution.

    Wiggins, a seasoned industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, has held senior roles at AWS, ThinkAnalytics, GrayMeta, and Deluxe. In his new position, he will oversee Zixi’s business development, sales strategy, and partnerships, helping customers and partners maximise operational efficiency and revenue potential through the company’s cutting-edge technology.

    Alexander, who has held key roles at AWS and Akamai Technologies, brings extensive expertise in product strategy and marketing. He will lead Zixi’s efforts in product positioning, customer education, and market messaging, helping media organisations adopt IP-based live video solutions.

    “Josh and Kris bring a wealth of experience and insight to Zixi,” said Zixi CEO Marc Aldrich. “Their leadership will be vital as we continue to deliver innovative solutions and help customers navigate the shifting landscape of live video distribution.”

    As media organisations increasingly transition to cloud-based content delivery and hybrid distribution models, Zixi’s Emmy-winning software enables ultra-low latency, reliable IP video transport, reducing costs while maintaining superior video quality.

    Wiggins commented, “Zixi is transforming IP-based live video transport. I look forward to driving growth and enabling our partners to unlock new opportunities.”

    Alexander added, “The media landscape is evolving rapidly, and Zixi is at the forefront of this change. I’m excited to help showcase how our customers are revolutionising their workflows using Zixi’s solutions.”

    Zixi will present its latest innovations at NAB Show 2025, demonstrating scalable, cost-effective live content distribution solutions.

  • Zepto rings in fast phone delivery with exclusive Vivo deals

    Zepto rings in fast phone delivery with exclusive Vivo deals

    MUMBAI: Zepto is calling the shots in the quick commerce game—literally! The fastest-growing delivery platform in India is now bringing smartphones straight to users’ doorsteps, expanding its electronics category with a selection of mobile phones starting 25 January 2025. As part of this launch, Zepto will feature the latest models from Vivo India, ensuring customers can get their hands on cutting-edge smartphones faster than ever.

    “At Zepto, our sellers are committed to offering quick, reliable, and affordable solutions for everyday needs. With this expansion, we are excited to collaborate with Vivo India and our Sellers to make mobile technology more accessible in a fast, seamless way,” said Zepto, business head for electronics, Abhimanyu Singh.

    Echoing the sentiment, Vivo India, head of online business, Pankaj Gandhi, said, “This partnership reflects our shared vision of making the latest mobile technology easily accessible to users across India through Zepto’s efficient platform.”

    Zepto will feature smartphones starting at just Rs 5,999 (inclusive of taxes). To sweeten the deal, an exclusive Icici Bank offer provides a flat five per cent discount (up to Rs5,000) on mobile purchases over Rs 5,000 valid until 31 January 2025.

  • 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.

  • Raymond Yeung appointed as SMPTE standards vice president

    Raymond Yeung appointed as SMPTE standards vice president

    MUMBAI: The Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) has appointed Raymond Yeung as its new vice-president of standards, effective 1 January 2025.

    Yeung, head of content standards at Amazon MGM Studios Technology, brings extensive expertise in digital visual effects, film mastering, and media supply chain advancements. Previously involved in HDR imaging development at Dolby Laboratories, he is a SMPTE life fellow and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

    “I am honoured to take on this role,” said Yeung. “Leading SMPTE’s renowned standards development efforts is a responsibility I approach with great dedication. I aim to foster continued innovation within the standards community.”

    SMPTE president Richard Welsh welcomed the appointment, noting, “Raymond’s extensive experience and respected reputation within the industry make him an invaluable asset. I look forward to working together to advance SMPTE’s leadership in media technology standards.”

  • ElevenLabs secures $180 million to make AI voices the gold standard of digital speech

    ElevenLabs secures $180 million to make AI voices the gold standard of digital speech

    MUMBAI: The future of digital interaction just got a whole lot smoother—and way less robotic! AI audio pioneer ElevenLabs has secured a blockbuster $180 million in Series C funding, proving once again that the future of communication isn’t just about typing but talking.

    Co-founded in 2022 by childhood friends Piotr Dąbkowski and Mati Staniszewski, this Poland-born startup is on a mission to make AI voices sound less like a dull GPS and more like your most charismatic friend spilling the latest gossip. With its tech already powering AI assistants, media giants, and even voice actors, ElevenLabs is set to redefine how the world hears AI.

    The funding round was co-led by a16z and Iconiq Growth, with fresh backing from NEA, World Innovation Lab (WiL), Valor, Endeavor Catalyst Fund, and Lunate. ElevenLabs’ existing heavy-hitter investors—Sequoia Capital, Salesforce Ventures, and Smash Capital—doubled down on their bets. Oh, and let’s not forget the industry giants joining the party, including Deutsche Telekom, LG Technology Ventures, HubSpot Ventures, and NTT DOCOMO Ventures. The latest round sends ElevenLabs’ valuation skyrocketing to $3.3 billion—triple what it was a year ago. Not bad for a company that launched just two years ago!

    ElevenLabs has come a long way since debuting in January 2023. The company has spent the past two years refining its AI models, releasing game-changing products, and making digital speech more expressive and lifelike. And the results? Users have already generated over 1,000 years’ worth of AI-generated audio—a number that speaks volumes (literally).

    Among its biggest innovations:

    . Conversational AI: No more robotic call centres—this tool powers real-time, natural speech for AI agents.

    .  Voice design: Need a custom AI voice? Generate one from text descriptions.

    .  Sound effects model: AI-generated sound effects bring immersive audio storytelling to the next level.

    .  ElevenReader app: Turns ebooks, PDFs, and articles into listenable content on-the-go.

    .  Flash model: The speed demon of AI voice tech, boasting an ultra-fast 75ms latency.

    .  Voice library payouts: A marketplace where voice actors and users have already earned $2M for their AI-generated voices.

    .  Dubbing studio: Supports 32 languages, making global content sound local while preserving original voices.

    Who’s using ElevenLabs? Pretty much everyone. From big-name tech firms to media giants, ElevenLabs is the industry’s AI voice darling. Its solutions are trusted by Nvidia, Perplexity, Synthesia, Espn, Aston Martin F1, The Washington Post, Chess.com, Time, and HarperCollins, to name a few. More impressively, over 60 per cent of Fortune 500 companies have employees using ElevenLabs tools. That’s some serious corporate clout.

    ElevenLabs isn’t just about high-tech innovation; it’s also changing lives. Through its ‘Impact Program’, the company has partnered with 80+ organisations to bring AI voices to individuals with speech impairments. The result? Over 1,000 people with ALS and other conditions have regained their voices. And in the cultural space, ElevenLabs has helped bring AI-generated plays to life at Centre Pompidou in Paris.

    The company is also going global—literally. ElevenLabs has expanded into Poland and India, setting up an R&D hub in Warsaw and investing in Indic language development. Expect an even stronger focus on regional accents, dialects, and personalised AI speech in the near future.

    The company isn’t stopping at just making AI voices sound human—it wants to fundamentally redefine digital speech. CTO Dąbkowski, recently named a Time Magazine AI Top 100 Innovator, is leading research to push AI-generated audio into new frontiers. With its team growing from 30 to 120 employees and hubs in London, New York, and Warsaw, ElevenLabs is set to build the most comprehensive AI audio platform in the world.

    The fresh $180 million investment will go towards:

    .  Expanding AI research into more expressive, nuanced, and controllable voice models.

    .   Developing new tools for businesses, creators, and developers.

    .  Strengthening AI safety, ensuring ethical and responsible deployment of AI-generated voices.

    .  Bringing AI voice tech to mobile, making audio AI more accessible.

    .   Supporting all languages, accents, and dialects—because AI should sound like everyone, not just an English-speaking robot.

    “Speech is how we naturally communicate. This funding moves us closer to a world where digital interactions happen by voice—fluid, natural, and as effortless as a conversation,” said CEO Staniszewski.

    “Voice is becoming a key part of how we interact with technology, and ElevenLabs is making it work at scale. We’re thrilled to continue to support their work in building the next generation of AI,” said a16z general partner & head of growth fund, David George.

    “We believe ElevenLabs is redefining the way we connect with digital environments, placing voice at the very heart of these transformative interactions. We are thrilled to partner with such an innovative team and contribute to their extraordinary journey to help reshape the future of voice technology,” said Iconiq Growth general partner Seth Pierrepont.

    As AI-generated speech continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the keyboard is no longer king—the mic is taking over. Thanks to ElevenLabs, digital conversations are stepping out of the uncanny valley and into a world where AI doesn’t just talk—it converses, charms, and maybe even tells better jokes than your best friend.

  • 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.