Category: Technology

India TV gets TechZone as technology partner

MUMBAI: TechZone, a leading aggregator, developer, publisher and distributor of entertainment content, has partnered Hindi news channel India TV as their technology partner to engage audience outside television by providing value-added services (VAS).

Under the tie-up, India TV gets to use Techzone‘s short code 56060 for on air polls, contest and various other audience interactive activities. The channel will also offer an exclusive WAP portal to its audience which will be a rich catalogue of branded content from India TV.

TechZone Director Naveen Bhandari says, “With this tie-up, TechZone will be able to provide them the best technology platform online, and enhance their direct viewer interaction. The channel has been using TechZone‘s short code services very aggressively and has received overwhelming response from the audience in a short span of time. This also helps TechZone get great visibility. We have already done a similar tie-up with the popular radio station Radio City, and will soon be announcing more with various other market leaders from the lifestyle and entertainment categories.”

India TV Interactive Media VP-Digital Media Prashant Sharda says, “With this partnership, we intend to penetrate deeper and make ourselves easily accessible to our strong and loyal audience, through various Mobile technology channels such as SMS, WAP, Mobile Site etc. We have a strong connect with our audience and we want to extend the reach to our viewers by connecting with them through the digital domain as well.”

February 18, 2013
Big Magic Intl strengthens reach in Canada with new distribution deals

MUMBAI: Big Magic International (BMI), part of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL) has announced a strategic distribution tie-up with Canadian cable distribution companies – Telus, Cogeco, to boost coverage. Having launched last year with Ethnic Channels Group (ECG) as its exclusive distribution partner, the channel is now present in five of the six platforms, across GTA, East and the West Coast.

With this move, BMI reaches out to the South Asian diaspora living across Canada, with shows like ‘Rasoi ki Rani‘ and ‘Big Memsaab Season 6‘. Also planned in the pipeline are local shows targeting youth and a business show on the Success Stories of Indians in Canada.

Telus Optic TV covers Vancouver, British Columbia, Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary on the West Coast. It will beam on Channel 556 and free viewing at a $5 add-on.

Cogeco will serve the areas of Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Stoney Creek, Burloak, Brockville, Niagara Falls, St. Catherine, Peterborough, and Windsor among others in the Ontario region on Channel 1084. This in effect will cover the East Coast of Canada. Big MAGIC will be offered to viewers here as a package, with channels included being ATN, Zee Cinema, Big Magic, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today. This will be available to viewers for $25 per month.

BMI is the first variety entertainment channel to connect with the Indian community in Canada, according to the company.

Soumen G. Choudhury said, “We are happy to announce further penetration of the channel, through the launch on Telus and Cogeco. This will ensure that our shows that have seen popularity in India, grow global and entertain the viewers internationally too. Our partners, ECG have done a commendable job, giving us an increased penetration through their existing relationship with platforms across Canada.”

ECG president Hari Srinivas said, “While our audiences grow, we need to meet the demands of every segment of our viewers. With Big Magic International, we cover the most engrossed and interactive audience of South Asians, especially Indians”.

February 18, 2013
Opera Software acquires Skyfire for $155 million

MUMBAI: Norwegian software company Opera Software has acquired Silicon Valley based Skyfire Labs, a leader in mobile video optimisation and cloud solutions for mobility.

The acquisition price includes a mix of cash and stock, with an upfront consideration of $50 million (including US$8 million of cash on the Skyfire balance sheet) and performance based earn-out payments over three years, including $26 million in cash held in escrow and funded upfront, that can bring the total deal size to $55 million.

The Opera acquisition of Skyfire is expected to close before 15 March.

Skyfire, headquartered in Mountain View, California, is known for its Rocket Optimiser software. This allows mobile operators to leverage cloud computing to optimise virtually any video and other multimedia on crowded cell towers, including 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Rocket Optimiser on average provides mobile networks a 60 per cent boost in capacity by reducing the size of video and other multimedia content as needed to fit the available bandwidth. Skyfire can detect when specific users are facing poor quality of experience or connections that need assistance, and intervene in milliseconds.

Skyfire also offers Skyfire Horizon, a mobile browser extension and toolbar platform that allows users to personalise their smartphone browser and operators to gain new monetisation opportunities. Skyfire has honed its technology through a variety of top-selling consumer applications, which have more than 20 million worldwide downloads to date.

Skyfire currently counts three large U.S. mobile operators as customers for its Rocket Optimizer and Skyfire Horizon solutions, and is in trials with ten other operators around the world.

“Opera and Skyfire are a natural fit,” said Opera Software CEO Lars Boilesen. “Both companies have evolved far beyond their browser roots. Skyfire adds capabilities to our portfolio around video, app optimization, smartphones and tablets, and strength in North America. With video expected to consume over two-thirds of global mobile bandwidth by 2015, and as time spent on Android and iOS apps explodes, we are excited to extend Opera’s solutions for operators.”

After the deal closes, Glueck will assume the role of EVP of the Operator Business for Opera, as well as CEO of Skyfire, and will oversee the joint offerings for Opera across Opera Mini co-brand solutions for Operators and Skyfire’s product lines. Skyfire will remain an independent entity as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Opera, and will continue to develop and support the Skyfire browser.

The two companies envision a powerful new set of joint products to be released over the coming year by combining their talents and know-how. In particular, they look to expand on Opera’s Web Pass offering, which allows consumers to purchase innovative data plans such as an unlimited ‘day pass’ of popular apps and web sites for an affordable price, thanks to video and data optimisation.

WebPass can enable new business models for operators, such as toll free data, ad-supported data, and more.

February 18, 2013
Viacom launches four channels on mio TV

MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom, has launched MTV Southeast Asia, Nickelodeon Southeast Asia, Nick Jr., and Comedy Central Asia on SingTel mio TV‘s subscription TV service.

The partnership also includes Nickelodeon-branded on-the-ground events that will further strengthen its brand experience with its audience. Details about launch dates and price plans will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Expanding the reach of MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and the recently-launched Comedy Central with mio TV, enables us to meet the growing demand for our channels, and deliver high quality programming services to mio TV subscribers,” said VIMN Asia EVP and MD Indra Suharjono.

“We are delighted to bring all four of our linear channels to the channel lineup, particularly given the significance of Comedy Central becoming the first English entertainment channel brand to be across all three subscription TV platforms in Singapore.”

“We are excited to collaborate with VIMN and welcome their channels onto our platform. The kids segment, in particular, is one that we have been working hard to address so our younger viewers and their parents will be delighted to know that Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will soon be available on mio TV. The addition of these channels marks a significant step which brings mio TV ever closer to our goal of meeting all the key content needs of our subscribers,” said SingTel MD of Television.

February 18, 2013
Madras High Court declines to restrain MSOs, LCOs from transmitting analogue signals

New Delhi: Even as a petition by Chennai Metro Cable Operators Association (CMCOA) seeking extension of implementation of the digital access system is pending hearing, the Madras High Court has refused to grant interim injunction restraining local cable operators from transmitting the cable TV signals in analogue mode.

However, Justice Vinod K Sharma said: “It is admitted that the cable operators including Arasu cable are providing only analogue system and therefore violating law for which they can be prosecuted under section 11 and section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulations) 1995.”

But he said this did not mean he was accepting the petition by T Saikrishnan seeking to restrain LCOs and multi-system operators like Arasu from transmitting or operating analogue head end or importing cable TV signals from Non-DAS area or rolling out cable TV signals without DAS licence to the consumers within Chennai Metropolitan area.

Justice Sharma said: “It cannot be said that the applicant has prima facie case to seek injunction nor the balance of convenience is in favour of him is not likely to suffer any irreparable loss.”

In the suit, the plaintiff claimed that he is in cable business for last several years after getting valid licence from the postal department. He is operating in and around Virugambakkam in Chennai. Other local cable operators including Arasu cable in the cable business were transmitting signals in and around the area and other areas of city without obtaining necessary licence.

Arasu Cable Television got itself impleaded as party and filed the counter. It submitted that the applicant had not come to the court with clean hands and filed the application at the instigation of some vested interest who did not want the government to operate the cable TV business.

P H Arvindh Pandian, Additional Advocate General, contended that the Union government already issued MSO licence to Arasu cable in April 2008 which was valid up to 2013 and it had also applied for DAS licence with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the application was still pending. Arasu Cable was running cable TV network in public interest to provide transmission.

The Judge viewed that under the Act, the aggrieved person could file an appeal for taking action against persons or authority. “The remedy for violation is provided under the Act under section 11 and 16 whereas civil suit is barred in view of law laid down by the Supreme Court”, added Mr. Justice Sharma.

Meanwhile, the petition by (CMCOA) through its General Secretary M R Srinivasan for extension of DAS pending before Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar is expected to come up for hearing in the last week of this month.

February 16, 2013
Euronews expands distribution with Etisalat deal

MUMBAI: European news and current affairs channel Euronews has expanded its reach in Middle East with an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Etisalat, the leading operator in the UAE and the Middle East.

Following the agreement, Euronews will now be available to the subscribers of Etisalat in the UAE covering 450,000 households. The news and current affairs channel is now connected to 18 million households in the Middle East.

Viewers can now watch Euronews in one of the ten proposed language services: Arabic, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Turkish and Russian. Live and VOD is available on euronews.com.

Euronews Deputy Director of Worldwide Distribution Arnaud Verlhac said, “I‘m delighted to announce our launch in the region with such a key partner as Etisalat. I‘m confident that Euronews‘ powerful brand and its unique coverage of world events will quickly impress the audience. Thanks to Etisalat‘s offer, the channel is available 24/7 in Arabic, but also in nine other language options for its international customers, including expatriates who constitute 38% of the channel‘s Middle East audience.”

February 16, 2013
Vuclip acquires assets of mobile video streaming firm Jigsee

MUMBAI: Vuclip, world‘s leading mobile video and media company, has acquired the core assets of Jigsee, a mobile video streaming company, for an undisclosed sum.

Vuclip‘s vision is to provide mobile video for consumers worldwide, regardless of device type or network quality, and by extension, deliver value to strategic business partners such as content providers, advertisers and carriers. To further this vision, these core assets will bring to Vuclip considerable mobile app development talent, as well as additional proprietary video streaming technologies.

Consumers will now benefit from more ways to discover and experience mobile video content. Vuclip plans to offer new apps to complement its browser strategy, particularly in India, the Middle East and South East Asia.

“Jigsee saw the same huge opportunity that we did. Consumers in emerging markets are more often than not using low-cost smartphones, such as the Asha Series from Nokia or Android devices from Samsung, on constrained networks. This is a huge audience for the mobile ecosystem to reach — but requires creative problem-solving to ensure a quality user experience,” said Vuclip CEO Nickhil Jakatdar.

“Vuclip tackles this problem with unique technology innovation on the browser side, while Jigsee approached it primarily with an application-based approach. The combination of these two will now deliver optimal value to consumers — on both feature phones and low-cost smartphones — as well as business partners in a way that no one else has done before and will accelerate our reach into new markets.”

“It is inspiring to see Vuclip deliver on its ‘All Things Video‘ strategy so aggressively and quickly,” said SingTel Innov8 MD Jeff Karras. “With more than 45 million monthly unique users, a viable monetization strategy and strong leadership, Vuclip is positioned to capitalize on the massive growth in mobile video.”

SingTel Innov8 is one of Vuclip‘s investors.

February 16, 2013
Vh1 launches music streaming app with Hungama

MUMBAI: Vh1 has set foot on the digital space to launch a new generation app, Vh1 Pulse, which will help their fans to be in sync with their favourite tracks anytime of the day.

Powered by Hungama.com, Vh1 Pulse is a music streaming application on Facebook which will enable over 1.7 million fans of the channel to listen to Vh1‘s picks of the best international music. The application that went live this week is the largest Facebook community amongst international music in India.

On the application, all songs will be picked by Vh1 and fans can listen to the playlist specially created which includes the best of all English music. ‘Pulse‘ will be the one stop shop for different genres of music and artists.

Fans can not only listen to Vh1‘s playlist but can also create a playlist of their own. They can pick and listen to tracks that their friends and other music lovers are listening to.

Viacom18 Media SVP and GM – English Entertainment Ferzad Palia says, “With a fan base of nearly 2 million ardent music lovers, this cutting addition to the Vh1 India Facebook page is part of our philosophy of ‘Vh1 Everywhere‘. Vh1 Pulse powered by Hungama, is a destination where our fans can hang out, listen to their favourite tracks, discover new artistes, chart toppers, create playlists and above all, share with their friends. We‘re sure our fans will get hooked on and love the experience.”

Hungama Digital Media Entertainment COO – Consumer Business and Allied Services Siddhartha Roy added, “Social communities are the new media real estate for brands where they can increase interaction and engagement with their consumers. Vh1 and Hungama bring Vh1 Pulse – a one stop destination for great International Music spread across various genres. There is an increasing demand for International Music and Hungama is committed at satiating this need by powering this service via its platform and content.”

February 16, 2013
Madhuri Dixit App now launches on iPad

MUMBAI: After launching her mobile apps on the iPhone and Android platforms, actress Madhuri Dixit has now launched her app, Madhuri Dixit HD, on the iPad. The high definition app is sleek and very user friendly and allows its users to get the latest updates on the actress.

With this app her fans from across the globe can interact with her and can even access her latest pictures, videos and exclusive content on beauty, fashion and dance at their fingertips, all in hi-def.

With Twitter & Facebook feeds embedded in the app, the charismatic actress who is active on the social media platforms hopes to connect with her fans more often.

Talking about the iPad app, Madhuri Dixit says, ”It is hard staying in touch with all the fans today. The newest in my app line-up adds high definition to the repertoire while maintaining the same great features of the previous apps including integrated Twitter and Facebook. It’s a very small contribution from my side to acknowledge the love and adulation I receive from my fans and I can’t thank them enough.”

February 16, 2013
79% smartphone users in India use password protection

NEW DELHI: A study has shown that 79 per cent of smartphone owners in India have password protection on their devices and 86 per cent of smartphone owners store personal and intimate information on their mobile devices which necessitates password protection.

McAfee, one of the world’s leading digital data protection company, has claimed in its study that the personal data may include passwords, bank account information, credit card numbers and personal or family photos.

It said 98 per cent Indians delete any personal text message, photos and emails regularly while 78 per cent regularly back up the data from their devices. As high as 96 per cent of the Indians believe that their data and personal photos are safe with their partners and most of them also share passwords with each other.

But 77 per cent of adults had their personal content leaked without their prior permission. Moreover, three out of 10 ex-partners threatened the other of exposing their personal photos online. Even though 49 per cent of the broken couples have asked the other to delete all personal content, few respond to the request.

Despite the veracity of the situation, McAfee claims that 53 per cent Indians still plan on sending romantic photos to their partners through email, SMS or social media on the Valentine’s Day.

February 15, 2013