Category: Technology

MUMBAI: Netflix, the Internet subscription service for enjoying TV shows and movies, now has more than 30 million streaming members globally, including over 25 million in the U.S.

Netflix hit the 10 million member milestone in 2009, a decade after it launched its DVD-by-mail service in the US. That number jumped to 20 million members by the end of 2010 with the widespread adoption of the Netflix streaming video service in the US and Canada.

The expansion over the last 22 months comes both from the continued growth of US and Canadian streaming subscribers as well as the introduction of the Netflix “watch instantly” service to new markets in Latin America and Europe.
 
Netflix is currently available in 51 countries, with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland the most recent additions.

In a Facebook post Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings thanked subscribers. “Your choice to be a Netflix member helps us to get more content every year and helps us further improve the Netflix experience. You make it possible for us to create the most amazing Internet television experience ever.”

MUMBAI: Global multi-screen video software company SeaChange International is presenting its next generation multi-screen software for optimising and monetising video services on TVs, tablets, smartphones, PCs and other devices at the TelcoTV 2012 conference in Las Vegas.

Demonstrated from the cloud at the show, SeaChange is featuring its Nitro subscriber experience, running on the Adrenalin multi-screen video platform, and the Infusion advanced advertising solution.

SeaChange CTO Steve Davi said, “SeaChange‘s flexible cloud-based software enables video service providers of all sizes to reach their subscribers across multiple screens. We‘ll show at TelcoTV that our solutions provide a range of advantages, including a unified subscriber experience on TV, tablet and other devices, as well as the means to fully promote cross-platform services and seamlessly integrate advertising.”

SeaChange Adrenalin is a multi-screen video platform that enables video service providers to manage, monetize and deliver a seamless experience to subscribers across devices. Based on an open service-oriented architecture, this platform incorporates applications focused on business management, content management, recommendations, monitoring, and client publishers.

SeaChange Nitro is the next generation multi-screen user experience application that enables video service providers to provide a seamless presentation of linear and on-demand content across mobile, PC, tablet and TV screens. Nitro leverages HTML5 to give subscribers intuitive features and functionality to navigate and manage video content on any screen they choose, including catch-up TV, search, recommendations, bookmarking, TV listings and social media.

SeaChange Infusio is an advanced ad solution that represents the transformation of SeaChange‘s video ad technology into an enhanced monetisation platform that seamlessly unites television and internet ad operations. Infusion enables targeted, multi-screen ad insertion capabilities for pre-, mid- and post-rolls, overlays, banner ads, click-throughs, and companion ads.

Demonstrations will include ad insertion into linear and on-demand streams on multiple devices, as well as “second screen ad re-targeting” on tablets based on what‘s concurrently shown on TV.

MUMBAI: Bengaluru-based digital marketing technology company Vizury Interactive raised close to $9 million in its Series B round of funding.

The funding was led by Nokia Growth Partners (NGP) with participation from existing investors Ojas Ventures and Inventus Capital Partners. Existing angel investors who led the seed round of funding also continue to remain invested.

The funds will be used to strengthen the company‘s presence across Asia, Australia and South America, step up the research and development efforts and drive product innovations.

Vizury offers a retargeting solution called Visitor Relationship Management (VRM) that enables eCommerce and online travel companies to harness the full value of their digital data in a structured and multi-phase manner. VRM users include Webjet, Virgin Airlines, Expedia, Zuji, Netshoes, Viajanet, Zozo, Kokuken, Ctrip, Yintai, Jabong, Jet Airways and MakeMyTrip.

Vizury co-founder and CEO Chetan Kulkarni said, “We see this funding as an endorsement of our approach to strategically partner with our customers and help them drive revenue using a combination of cutting edge technology and enterprise class service. The capital infusion will allow us to accelerate our investments in R&D, bring new products to market and establish ourselves as clear leaders in the space. Having NGP, Inventus and Ojas in our corner will be invaluable as we make the next big leap.”

NGP (US) managing partner John Gardner said, “Vizury‘s industry-leading behavioural ad targeting products and intense customer focus position the company well for expansion across a number of regions. With this investment, we reinforce NGP‘s commitment to investing in the growth of the global advertising technology space.”

NGP Advisors India principal Anupam Rastogi has joined Vizury‘s Board post this development. He said, “We are pleased with the strong product, technology and analytic capabilities that Vizury has built. We believe Vizury‘s technology has the potential to optimize customer acquisition and digital marketing for a range of clients. We look forward to working with Vizury and supporting the team in its global growth.”

MUMBAI: Microsoft has announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in India and around the world.

This will be available to Indian customers from 26 October.

Windows 8 is offering new user interface (UI), a wide range of applications with the “grand opening” of the Windows Store, available on a variety of Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be available in India from 14 OEM partners – Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, RP Infosystems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers on a variety of form factors – from tablets and hybrids to laptops and ultrabooks, on both touch and non-touch devices.

In India, over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 completely new SKUs (Stock-keeping unit) of Windows 8 PCs are available across 100 cities and more than 2500 retail stores.

Microsoft Corporation chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said, “With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

Windows 8 is natively cloud-connected and users just need to sign in once with their Microsoft account, to ensure that all the things including mails, calendars, contact, and pictures are synced across multiple devices.

In Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10 is touch-ready and delivers a full screen browsing experience.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for business customers who have signed up for software assurance, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.

Launching at the same time is Windows RT, which is designed for ARM-based tablets. It will be available pre-installed on new devices.

In India a range of free and paid apps can be downloaded including Bharat Matrimony, BigFlix, BookMyShow, Bookyourtable, Burrp, Dhingana, Fastrack Tees, Flyte MP3, Gaana, Goibibo, Hindustan Times, ICICI Bank iMobile, ICICIDirect, JustEat, MakeMyTrip Explore, MapmyIndia, my airtel, NDTV Play, PVR Cinemas, Tarla Dalal, The Times of India, Yahoo Cricket, and Zovi.

Additionally, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. From 2 June 2012 until 31 January 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 1,999.

For Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012 and 31 January 2013, consumers can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 699 with the Windows Upgrade Offer.

A few days back, Microsoft had launched surface tablet. Microsoft‘s new launches gather significance as the company is positioning itself as a hardware and software player to take on competitors like Google and Apple.

MUMBAI: With the holiday season in the US right around the corner, consumers are eagerly awaiting the latest video-game releases—a list that varies considerably by console, according to the Nielsen Game Rank for Q4 2012.

Halo 4 continues to rank highest for Xbox 360 gamers, while Call of Duty: Black Ops II is an extremely close second for Xbox 360 (0.25 per cent behind), and also tops the PS3 list.

Just Dance 4 still provides the greatest degree of allure for Wii gamers.

NBA 2K13 and WWE ’13 rank in the top six and top eight respectively, for all three current-generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii). And while not releasing on Wii, Assassin’s Creed III and Resident Evil 6 rank between 96 to 98 per cent for both Xbox 360 and PS3. The new reboot of Need For Speed: Most Wanted also lands in the top six titles for both of those consoles as well.
 
Apart from Halo 4, the other first-party exclusive title from Microsoft cracking the top ten for Xbox 360 is Fable: The Journey, while Sony’s exclusive LittleBigPlanet Karting rounds out the top ten for PS3. Transformers Prime: The Game hits the top ten for Wii, and though it is not exclusive to Wii, it is offered only on Nintendo platforms.

Narrowly missing a top ten ranking was the recently released and industry-acclaimed Dishonored. A new property in a sea of sequels and powerhouse franchises, it stands to reason that apart from the avid gamers the general gaming public may not have been as acutely aware of this title when the data was collected over the past month.

MUMBAI: Online video service iStream.com will be showing Brazilian National Football Championship, Brasileirao Serie A, in India.

iStream.com has entered into a three-year deal with Total Sports Asia for live streaming Brasileirao Serie A. All the matches and highlights will also be available on demand.

iStream.com founder, CEO Radhakrishnan Ramachandran said, “In terms of the quality of football, this is among the best football leagues in the world today. BRASILEIR?O Serie A has been the breeding ground for football superstars over the last few decades including Pele, Romario, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, Cafu, Zico, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, etc and we are extremely proud to bring this to our Indian audience”.

Total Sports Asia director sales, business development Vishal Jaison said,”With increasing broadband penetration in the country, it was important for us to extend our distribution of the Brazilian Football League over the internet. With iStream, we have found the right partner who will stream the exciting league to the increasing number of internet subscribers in India”.
The current sensation Neymar, who is tipped to be the next global superstar, plays for the Brazilian club Santos and scored the goal that was voted the best goal in 2011 by Fifa. Brasileirao Serie A will have 38 rounds and will be aired till 2 December 2012.

Apart from the Brazilian National League, iStream will also be showing the S?o Paulo State Championship (Paulista), which is the most competitive and organised Regional Championship of Brazil, gathering Brazilian top Clubs like Corinthians, S?o Paulo, Santos and Palmeiras.

Paulista League will start in January 2013 and will last till the second week of May.

iStream.com will also be showing the magazine shows ‘FootBrazil Highlight’ and ‘FootBrazil Magazine Show’. The ‘FootBrazil Highlight’ is a highlight show with the best moments and goals of the main Matches of the round. The “FootBrazil Magazine Show” is a 26 minutes Electronic Magazine show with a review of the round, interviews with personalities of the Brazilian Football and a Preview of the next round.

MUMBAI: The worldwide pay-TV market is growing on all major TV platforms worldwide, including cable, satellite, and IPTV. Pay-TV service revenue is expected to reach $236 billion by the end of 2012, up from $223 billion in 2011, according to ABI Research’s pay-TV Market Data, which looks at average revenue per user (Arpu) and revenues worldwide.

ABI Research expects the pay-TV market to continue to grow 19 per cent over the next five years, generating $281 billion in 2017. Pay terrestrial TV services, however, are losing steam with a small drop in revenue; the French pay-TV platform TV Numeric is in receivership and likely to close at the end of the year.

DirecTV experienced Arpu growth in the United States as a result of higher penetration in premium packages; it saw significant subscriber and revenue growth in Latin America, although Arpu fell slightly as more customers chose less expensive packages.

Cable-TV maintains the largest share of the market through 2017, although it is losing market share to both satellite and IPTV. North American cable operators have experienced drops in their subscriber base over the past few quarters.

Growth in satellite and IPTV services in North America comes at the expense of cable. This competitive shift, coupled with a small drop in pay-tv penetration, lead cable-TV revenues to fall about one per cent in 2012 despite a small increase in ARPU.Global Cable-TV service revenue market-share is expected to drop to 47 per cent in 2012 from 48 per cent in 2011.

DirecTV tops ABI Research’s global satellite TV market share ranking, both in terms of subscriber base and service revenue at the end of 2Q-2012.

Research analyst Khin Sandi Lynn said, “DirecTV experienced ARPU growth in the United States as a result of higher penetration in premium packages; it saw significant subscriber and revenue growth in Latin America, although ARPU fell slightly as more customers chose less expensive packages”.

MUMBAI: Hungama Digital Media Entertainment has partnered with global mobile media buying platform Adsmobi Inc for mobile advertising to monetise all India inventory.

As a part of the partnership, Hungama India will monetise Adsmobi’s premium advertising traffic in India, bringing more brand advertisers to the mobile arena in India.

Adsmobi Co-Founder and MD Ramy Yared commented: “Adsmobi Inc generated increasing revenues and ties to advertisers in the Mobile Advertising industry of India, it is one of our core emerging markets. Therefore, we are pleased to be able to partner with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment on mobile advertising and we are certain this partnership will add value to India’s mobile ecosystem with Hungama’s strong foothold in the local media industry together with our strong strategic capabilities in mobile advertising.’

Hungama Digital Media Entertainment COO Consumer Business & Allied Services Siddhartha Roy said, “With 900 million mobile phone users and 108 million active mobile internet users, India has emerged as one of the largest mobile advertising destinations in the region. Mobile advertising has enticed brands and grown significantly in the last year. The boom in App economy has set the stage for driving next level of growth for mobile advertising in India along with economical smart phones and increased video consumption trends. Brands realize the potential of the medium and soon mobile marketing will be an essential part of the marketing mix plan.With our partnership with Adsmobi Inc, we will be able to provide the platform to enable agencies and brands to develop mobile rich campaigns.”
 
According to a recent research from Adsmobi Inc and mobile Squared, the rise in smart phones is encouraging a faster-than-expected adoption of mobile internet and app usage, and this is further cementing the mobile advertising opportunity. By the end of 2012, it is predicted that smartphones will account for 33 per cent of all active mobile devices throughout the Asia10 (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) countries.

NEW DELHI: The tablet market, pioneered by the launch of the iPad in 2010, is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 40 per cent over the next five years.

MAIT, the apex body representing India’s IT hardware, training and R&D services sectors, has conducted a Tablet Study in the Indian market to coincide with its completing 30 years since its inception in 1982.

The Tablets are expected to touch 1.6 million units in the current financial year and grow to touch 7.3 million units by 2015-16.

Commenting on this new opportunity, MAIT president Dr. Alok Bhardwaj said: “The tablet market is the new blue-eyed growth opportunity in India. It is fast becoming one of the drivers of rapid growth in the IT content consumption and hardware sector in India. With the introduction of several national and international brands of tablet in India, the market is witnessing a revolution of sorts with these devices changing the way services are delivered in various other sectors such as education, healthcare and governance. Tablets will soon enable and empower even our rural areas with services bridging the last mile connectivity gap through these devices.”
 
“A key factor in the growth of tablets has been the encouragement from the government in adopting and developing low-cost options for use in our villages and other rural areas. Education and healthcare services are now being accessed by many more people with the help of low-cost tablet. He further said, Tablets being one of the cheapest devices available in the Indian market, it is a potential device that can transform the entire country, as any content in any language can effectively work on this device”.

MAIT Vice President J V Ramamurthy said: “The tablet market is expected to grow at around 40% CAGR annually over the next 5 years. It is an evolving market and we expect to see the emergence of value based tablet devices as an important segment. Also the developing ecosystem for this device will ensure that tablets as a computing device will become an integral part of human lives. Apart from being a consumer lifestyle product I see a huge uptake of the tablet in the education segment and it is a device which has all the potential to revolutionize the education system.”

MUMBAI: Pay-TV provider Dish Network, a subsidiary of Dish Network Corporation, has said that it has settled all of its pending litigation with Voom HD Holdings, which had in 2008 sued Dish Network for $2.4 billion in damages for violation of contract.

Voom HD Holdings, then a unit of Cablevision, had sued Dish Network for violating a 15-year contract that required the pay TV service provider to carry a suite of HD channels, including those devoted to Kung Fu and video games.

Voom is now a part of AMC Networks, which Cablevision spun off last year.

As part of the settlement, Dish Network pays a cash settlement of $700 million to Cablevision and AMC Networks, $80 million of which is in consideration for the purchase of Cablevision’s multichannel video and data distribution service (MVDDS) licenses in 45 metropolitan areas in the US.

As part of the agreement, Dish will receive 500 MHz of wireless multichannel video distribution and data service spectrum licenses that cover a population of 150 million in 45 DMAs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Dish will also enter into a long-term distribution agreement with AMC Networks to carry AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, and with The Madison Square Garden Company to carry Fuse on its satellite service; and also convey its 20-percent membership interest in Voom HD to Rainbow Programming Holdings LLC, such that all of the cash settlement remains with Cablevision and AMC Networks.

As part of a separate, multi-year agreement, Dish will resume broadcast of the AMC channel beginning 21 October. The AMC channel will be carried on Dish channel 131. Other AMC Networks programming, including Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC, will return to Dish November 1. The Madison Square Garden Company‘s music-oriented Fuse channel will begin broadcast 1 November.

Promptly after payment of the cash settlement is received, the parties will file a joint stipulation to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. The allocation of the settlement proceeds between Cablevision and AMC Networks will be determined pursuant to the existing agreement relating to this litigation between the two companies.

AMC Networks President and CEO Josh Sapan said, “We are glad to partner again with DISH Network and are delighted to bring back our popular channels and programming to their customers.”

“We are glad to have settled the case and reestablished our long-term relationships with AMC Networks and Cablevision. This multi-year deal delivers a fair value for both parties and includes digital expansion opportunities for AMC Networks‘ programming,” said Dish SVP of Programming Dave Shull. “