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Category: Technology

  • Unlocking power of clear communication: Conference headsets redefining virtual meeting 2024

    Unlocking power of clear communication: Conference headsets redefining virtual meeting 2024

    Mumbai: A good headphone is an investment that is worthwhile whether you conduct business in a public setting at a conference table or in a private setting at home. Numerous advantages of a high-quality headset dramatically improve productivity and communication in an array of professional settings.

    When selecting the best conference headset, take into account your requirements such as great sound quality, long-term comfort, or affordability. You’re likely to find the ideal headset with these top choices to improve your virtual meeting experience:

    1) EPOS ADAPT 360 Headphones: Crafted by EPOS, a distinguished player in audio technology, these headphones seamlessly merge style, comfort, and functionality. ADAPT 300 is a high-quality headset specially designed for concentration in UC deployment work environments. ADAPT 300 offers Active Noise Cancelling and a 2-microphone beamforming voice pick-up in a robust yet elegant and contemporary design with an intuitive user interface. The MS Teams certification ensures plug-and-play performance through the pre-paired USB dongle and an outstanding range of up to 25 meters. The ADAPT 300 series is the industry-only MS Teams certified.

    To satisfy professionals who value comfort, flexibility, and excellent audio performance in their audio accessories, EPOS designed the ADAPT 360.

    2.   Jabra Evolve2 65 UC:  As a high-end conference headset that meets the needs of business communication in the digital era, the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC stands out. With an impressive 37 hours of battery life, the headset is perfect for extended work periods. Because the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC is designed for Unified Communications (UC) platforms, it integrates with well-known communication tools with ease. To improve user experience, it also has an exclusive mute button, simple controls, and a busy light indicator. With its innovative features and user-focused design, the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC is a superior option.

    3.  Logitech Zone Wireless: Zone Wireless provides an intuitive and simple interface to adjust volume, play/pause music 1 Feature not available on the Microsoft Teams version. And start/end calls. The mic boom features a flip-to-mute function, plus button controls that provide easy access to power, active noise cancellation, and wireless Bluetooth pairing. Zone Wireless supports wireless Qi charging 2 Qi wireless charger sold separately and includes a mobile companion app that supports easy setup and simple control for headset functions like side tone modulation and EQ presets. Throughout the workday, dependable performance is ensured by the battery life of up to 15 hours, and a quick charge feature allows for up to 2 hours of usage with just a 5-minute charge.

    Plantronics Voyager 4220 UC: The Voyager 4220 UC’s well-calibrated triple-mic with improved DSP provides crystal-clear audio clarity. Background noise won’t interfere with users’ ability to have conversations thanks to noise-cancelling technology. With its adjustable headband and soft ear cushions, this headset is perfect for long periods of use. The Voyager 4220 UC allows for smooth connectivity with computers, smartphones, and tablets.

  • Milestone Systems to adopt G7 Code of Conduct for artificial intelligence

    Milestone Systems to adopt G7 Code of Conduct for artificial intelligence

    Mumbai: Milestone Systems, provider of data-driven video technology software, has decided to adopt and implement the G7 Code of Conduct for advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, becoming one of the first companies to do so.

    Milestone Systems CEO Thomas Jensen said, “We need rules to ensure AI is being developed to serve humanity. But companies should not wait for regulation. They must take their own steps to identify and resolve the weaknesses and pitfalls of the AI they develop,” When it comes to AI-enabled video, we have just scratched the surface of its potential benefits and uses. However, we also understand some of the pitfalls such as bias and false positives.”

    “At Milestone Systems, we are taking significant steps to address potential weaknesses of our tools. By signing up to the G7 Code of Conduct we will continue to focus our efforts on building our software with trust, transparency, and accountability at the front of our minds.” He added.

    The International Code of Conduct for organisations developing advanced AI Systems aims to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI worldwide. It was agreed by G7 leaders at the end of October 2023 alongside a set of guiding principles for the world’s most powerful democracies to follow when developing new AI systems.

    Milestone System’s decision comes as the European Union has agreed on its own AI Act.

    Applaud the AI Act –

    Thomas Jensen says, “While we applaud the AI Act, it will take a while before it is implemented, potentially a couple of years. In the meantime, we believe companies should strive to stay ahead of the regulation.”

    “We must not shutter innovation, but to prevent a public and regulatory backlash, AI businesses should be striving to build trustworthy AI. Adopting the G7 Code of Conduct is one such step all companies should take to help ensure responsible use of technology and foster public trust in the new possibilities it presents.” He added.

    The G7 AI Code of Conduct can be found here:

    Shaping Europe’s digital future

  • Kapture CX & Aether Global partner to deliver integrated customer experience in the Philippines

    Kapture CX & Aether Global partner to deliver integrated customer experience in the Philippines

    Mumbai: Kapture, a leading SaaS-based customer experience (CX) platform has recently announced its strategic partnership with Aether Global, a distinguished technology solutions provider headquartered in the Philippines to enhance comprehensive and integrated customer experience in the region.

    The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Kapture’s expansion efforts in the Southeast Asian region and reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative and efficient CX solutions.

    As part of the collaboration, Aether Global will now serve as a key reseller of Kapture’s comprehensive CX solution suite in the Philippines. The partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations to address the growing demand for advanced customer engagement tools and analytics in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

    “We are excited to join hands with Aether Global in our mission to transform customer experiences across the Philippines,” said Kapture CEO and co-founder Sheshgiri Kamath. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing businesses with state-of-the-art CX solutions that drive growth and foster lasting customer relationships. Aether Global’s reputation for excellence and deep understanding of the local market makes them an ideal partner as we expand our footprint in Southeast Asia.”

    Known for providing integrated SaaS solutions, Kapture’s CX empowers businesses to seamlessly manage customer interactions across various channels, analyze data to derive actionable insights, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. By joining forces with Aether Global, Kapture aims to leverage the local expertise and market knowledge of its partner to better cater to the unique business needs in the Philippines.

    Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Aether Global’s CEO, Emvin Vidola, said, “I am very excited about the possibilities and opportunities that will be brought by the combination of Aether Global’s expertise in the CX space and Kapture’s powerful and easy-to-use capabilities. I believe that this partnership will enable businesses in the region to go above and beyond the usual digital experience given by other available technologies.”

    The collaboration between Kapture and Aether Global is poised to bring about transformative changes in how businesses approach customer interactions, providing them with the tools they need to stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

  • Medial app raises $120K for startup social network

    Medial app raises $120K for startup social network

    Mumbai: Medial app, a professional social media platform purpose-built for the start-up ecosystem, has raised $120K in a pre-seed funding round. The round was led by FirstCheque VC and saw participation from notable angels from Bangalore, Mumbai, and the US including names like Nayan Jadeja, Rohitashwa Choudhary, Ankit Aggarwal, Radhakrishnan Ramachandran and others.

    Founded and led by the leadership of Niket Raj Dwivedi, Aishwarya Raj Pandey, Prateek Kaien, and Harsh Dwivedi, Medial App aims to reshape the professional social networking landscape by centring its offerings around professionals’ real learning and growth in the start-up ecosystem. At the heart of its mission is a content and community-driven platform that fosters a vibrant community across diverse tech, product, and UI/UX domains. It serves as a hub of start-up news, industry updates, banters, and advice in a non-clickbaity fashion to add value for its community, and enable transparent and inclusive workplace conversations.

    Expressing his gratitude and sharing his mission, Medial app founder & CEO Niket Raj Dwivedi said, “We’re excited with the early belief of our investors in our vision. We are working super hard to ensure our users get the exact experience that has been missing from most professional social media platforms and bridge the gap that younger folks feel on these company-centric, influence-catering age-old networks. Medial is designed to be a meaningful content and consumption-led professional network instead of a thoughtless connection-led network. We are working towards creating a world-class company-profiling suite and a job board which is responsive within a strict timeline so that candidates are not left hanging after applying to jobs, and allowing companies to showcase themselves better to prospective talent.”

    Medial App enjoys a beta-stage user base of over 5,000 and is set for an official launch by the end of January 2024. The platform aims to evolve into the go-to professional social platform for growth-driven individuals within the start-up/tech ecosystem, gradually expanding its horizons to accommodate more profiles and industries.

    Prateek Agarwal from FirstCheque remarked, “Niket and the team have the right mix to solve the social media problems of today. They want to purify the experience by helping people read unique content and also share their perspectives without the fear of being judged.”

    Medial App plans to deploy the raised capital to primarily fuel product development, user acquisition, and testing of core app features. With promising initial beta app metrics showing great D30 retention and stickiness, the leadership focuses on feature enhancement and the product’s official launch.

  • AutoVRse empowers Tata Power Solar with VR solutions for enhanced training

    AutoVRse empowers Tata Power Solar with VR solutions for enhanced training

    Mumbai: AutoVRse, India’s pioneer provider of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) training solutions for businesses, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Tata Power Solar. This partnership represents a big advancement in the use of immersive technologies to transform field training approaches.

    Tata Power Solar chose AutoVRse to create a comprehensive training program on safe chemical handling procedures due to the team’s experience in developing AR and VR solutions. As part of the collaboration, AutoVRse will create and implement VR-integrated immersive simulations that improve training efficacy and engagement.

    Field technicians at Tata Power Solar will have access to a thorough and engaging learning experience with the VR training module, which will include three modes: training mode, practice mode, and assessment mode. The adaptable nature of AutoVRse accommodates a variety of learning preferences and guarantees that technicians are prepared to manage the complexities involved in handling dangerous chemicals.

    The VR simulations will be seamlessly integrated with a customised dashboard, in addition to acting as a deployment qualification tool. With the use of this dashboard, Tata Power Solar will be able to track and evaluate each technician’s performance and development, guaranteeing ongoing development and compliance with safety procedures.

    “VR-based training has become a pivotal component within the comprehensive Safety and Digital Transformation strategy adopted by global enterprises,” said AutoVRse’s business development lead Vishal V Ahankari. “Through our collaboration with Tata Power Solar, we aim to achieve a reduction in time-to-proficiency by over 40 per cent, concurrently elevating standards of shop floor safety. This initiative is positioned to significantly optimise operational efficiency by substantially reducing man-hours and fostering overarching gains in productivity.”

    Combining VR solutions demonstrates AutoVRse’s dedication to providing businesses with adaptable and powerful training experiences. Tata Power Solar’s innovative approach places them at the forefront of renewable energy safety training.

  • Immerso AI and Yotta announce strategic partnership for generative media

    Immerso AI and Yotta announce strategic partnership for generative media

    Mumbai: Immerso AI, part of the Eros Investments Group, a leading Generative AI company with intellectual property and licensed data, has announced their strategic partnership with Yotta at Vibrant Gujarat 2024. With this partnership, Immerso AI will leverage the Omniverse platform by NVIDIA and high-fidelity custom development to develop high-quality movie characters from the Eros Now library and Conversational AI and as Avatars and Characters for Gaming and other use cases. This development will leverage the NVIDIA-powered reference architecture with NVIDIA Infiband Networking infrastructure as being deployed by Yotta in Q1 2024. The companies will leverage the recent partnership announcement between the Govt. of Gujarat, GIFT City and Immerso AI Parks to engage local talent for research, development, and deployment.

    “India has the rich talent, vast scale, and deep pools of data to harness Generative AI to help solve the nation’s and the world’s greatest challenges,” said NVIDIA, South Asia MD Vishal Dhupar. “To help achieve this potential, NVIDIA is working with leading Indian businesses, as well as the larger ecosystem, to create cloud-based sovereign AI accelerated computing infrastructure.”

    Government of Gujarat principal secretary, IAS department at science and technology Mona Khandhar mentioned “Gujarat will play a pivotal role in the future of Deep Technology for Digital India and we are very pleased with this collaboration from leading companies like NVIDIA, Yotta and Immerso AI in the Generative AI space developing in Gujarat.

    Immerso AI CEO Ali Hussein mentioned “2024 is going to be the year of Generative Media, unlike other digital business infrastructure and performance will play a key role in generative Media and Gaming. Our core vision to develop India’s largest AIIP company is augmented with this partnership.”

    Yotta co-founder & CEO Sunil Gupta shared “Yotta is dedicated to harnessing AI’s power to transform various industries throughout India. Our collaboration with NVIDIA signifies a notable advancement in this endeavor, reinforcing our dedication to offering top-tier services to both existing and future clients. Through Immerso AI’s capabilities, we believe we can significantly enhance the M&E sector, greatly boosting our abilities in movie production and gaming development.

    As of May 2023, the Indian Generative AI landscape had more than 60 startups dedicated to offering solutions and services to their customers spread across various industry verticals. More than $590 million in funding has already flown into this space, with 2022 being the year with the heaviest funding inflow. 2024 will be a pivotal year in the development of the Generative AI eco-system in India and the native technology will cut across industry verticals.

  • BLS International FZE signs definitive agreement to fully acquire iDATA

    BLS International FZE signs definitive agreement to fully acquire iDATA

    Mumbai: BLS International Services Ltd (BLS), a global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens announced that it has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement through its wholly owned subsidiary BLS International FZE, UAE, to acquire a 100 per cent stake in iData Danismanlik Ve Hizmet Dis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi (“iDATA”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries for an Enterprise Value of Euro 50 Million (Rs 450 Crores) and additional milestones based payments. iDATA, a prominent player based in Turkey, specializes in Visa and Consular Services, making it a strategic addition to BLS’s expanding portfolio.

    Incorporated in Turkey, iDATA provides comprehensive visa applications and consular services to various governments. The company currently operates more than 37 Visa Application Centres (VAC) across 15 countries, serving diplomatic missions in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Notably, iDATA has been the exclusive provider of Visa & Consular Services to the Italy Diplomatic mission since 2006 and the German Government since 2012 in certain geographies. As per the audited consolidated financials for the calendar year 2022, iDATA achieved revenues of EURO 19.9 million (Rs 180 Crores) and EBITDA of EURO 10.4 million (Rs 94 Crores).

    The acquisition would be funded mainly through our internal accruals. Further, the transaction will be EPS accretive from day one and is anticipated to be completed in the current financial year, subject to Government & Regulatory approvals.

    PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Turkey, and Lagrange Point Advisors LLP, Mumbai jointly acted as transaction advisors to BLS on this transaction.

    BLS International Services joint managing director Ltd Shikhar Aggarwal said, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of iDATA and its subsidiaries, marking a significant milestone in BLS International’s journey. This strategic move underscores our commitment to becoming a global leader in tech-enabled services for Governments and citizens. This acquisition not only expands our operational footprint but also reinforces our dedication to fostering enduring relationships with Governments.

    We look forward to the completion of this transaction, which will further exemplify our core values of reliability, transparency, and efficiency while supporting the essential functions of Governments across the world.” he added.

  • Capri Global Capital to develop an insurance platform

    Capri Global Capital to develop an insurance platform

    Mumbai: Capri Global Capital Limited (CGCL) received a composite Corporate Agency license from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in December 2023 to distribute life, general, and health insurance products.

    CGCL is planning to leverage technology to revolutionise the way insurance products and services are delivered to customers. The Company is planning to use data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to deliver insurance solutions. This will enable CGCL to automate claims processing and customer support services, thereby reducing the cost of operations while improving customer satisfaction. Hence, the key goal of the Insurtech platform will be to create an ecosystem of insurers who can offer coverage in a more affordable, customer-friendly way. This in turn will assist the Company to immensely contribute to the ‘Insuring India by 2047’ mission of IRDAI.

    The Company’s basic motto is to offer a customer-centric approach to insurance. CGCL will provide a wide range of insurance products and services through its website, app, and call centers. Moreover, the platform will adopt a customer-friendly payment policy too that will allow customers to pay in several ways, including through digital wallets, credit cards, net banking, and debit cards.

    With this tech-centric focus, CGCL aims to leverage its robust active client base of 270K as of Sep’23 to cross-sell insurance products. In H1 FY’24, CGCL disbursed total loans amounting to Rs. 62 Bn and added 107K live clients. Further, the Company has on behalf of the partner Banks originated a Car Loan of Rs. 44 Bn i.e. 39K new clients. The rapidly increasing client relationships offer CGCL a captive base to improve insurance penetration and help CGCL strengthen its fee income and deliver better returns to its stakeholders. The Company expects to generate a net fee income of Rs. 200 Mn from insurance cross-sell in FY’25.

  • With right usage AI Industries can scale newer heights – Nadir Godrej

    With right usage AI Industries can scale newer heights – Nadir Godrej

    Mumbai: Industrialist Nadir Godrej on Sunday said manufacturing, healthcare and other sectors in India can scale newer heights with the right use of artificial intelligence.

    Here to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Godrej also said India can achieve its net-zero goals ahead of the deadline as the country is moving in the right direction on climate related matters.

    Speaking to PTI, he said AI has great potential to help various sectors by optimising processes and it should be seen as a facilitator rather than a disruptor.

    Godrej is chairman and managing director of business conglomerate Godrej Industries. Climate change, conflicts, geopolitical and geo-economic concerns and opportunities and threats posed by AI are among the key topics to be discussed at the five-day WEF annual meeting beginning here on Monday.

    Godrej said the meeting should yield several positive outcomes on areas like climate change, global economic concerns and conflict resolution.

    ( Taken from syndicated feed) 

  • AI for tomorrow: How artificial intelligence businesses can power sustainable growth

    AI for tomorrow: How artificial intelligence businesses can power sustainable growth

    Mumbai: In the age of instant gratification and hyper-growth, the tech industry often grapples with a paradox: the very tools driving innovation can leave a heavy footprint on the planet and contribute to social inequities. But within the same engine that powers this rapid change lies a hidden gem – the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock a future where business success and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

    For AI businesses, achieving sustainable growth isn’t just about ticking ethical boxes; it’s about harnessing the power of their technology to create a positive impact on the world. This journey requires a shift in mindset – from maximizing profits to maximizing value, not just for businesses, key shareholders and customers, but for the environment and society as a whole.

    So, how can AI businesses truly walk the talk of sustainable growth? Here are some actionable steps, fueled by real-world examples:

    1. Green AI: Optimising for efficiency

    https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2023/06/09/ais-growing-carbon-footprint/

    The digital world has a surprisingly tangible footprint. Data centers, the brains behind AI, are notorious energy guzzlers. But AI can also be the key to unlocking unprecedented efficiency. Take Google’s DeepMind, which used AI to optimise cooling systems in Google’s data centers, reducing energy consumption by 40%. Similarly, AI-powered logistics platforms like Optoro are revolutionising supply chains, optimising routes and reducing transportation emissions. These examples showcase how AI can become a positive tool for environmental causes, not just a contributor to the problem.

    2. Ethical AI: Building trust and fairness

    Bias, whether intentional or unintentional, can creep into AI algorithms, leading to discriminatory outcomes. This not only undermines social justice but also erodes trust in AI itself. Companies like Cognizant are tackling this challenge head-on by developing comprehensive ethical AI frameworks that emphasise transparency, explainability, and fairness. By actively mitigating bias and ensuring responsible data practices, AI businesses can cultivate a more equitable future and build lasting trust with their stakeholders.

    3. AI for good: Making a positive impact

    The potential of AI to address global challenges extends far beyond optimising operations. Take Microsoft’s AI for Earth program, which supports innovative projects using AI for environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. Another inspiring example is IBM’s Watson Open-Source Toolkit, which empowers researchers and developers to use AI for healthcare diagnosis and disease prediction, potentially saving countless lives. These initiatives demonstrate how AI can be a powerful force for good, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

    4. Beyond profits: Embracing shared value

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/markminevich/2023/11/25/ai-and-generation-z-pioneering-a-new-era-of-philanthropy/?sh=de8138b6d099

    Sustainable growth for AI businesses hinges on understanding that their success is intertwined with the well-being of the communities they operate in. Companies like Salesforce are pioneering the concept of “shared value,” which emphasises positive societal impact alongside financial performance. One notable example is Salesforce’s AI-powered Philanthropy Cloud, which helps non-profit organisations streamline operations and maximise their impact. By actively contributing to social progress, AI businesses can create a virtuous cycle of shared success.

    5. Transparency and collaboration: Building a sustainable future together

    The journey towards sustainable AI growth is not a solo endeavor. Openness and collaboration are crucial. Platforms like the Partnership on AI, a multi-stakeholder initiative involving leading tech companies, researchers, and policymakers, are fostering dialogue and developing shared principles for responsible AI development. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, the entire AI ecosystem can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future.

    The path to sustainable AI growth is paved with challenges, but the potential rewards are immense. By harnessing the power of AI not just for profit, but for positive impact, AI businesses can become agents of positive change, building a future where technology fuels a better tomorrow, not just for themselves, but for the entire planet and its people.

    This is just a starting point. Remember, the choice is ours: we can build an AI future fueled by short-term gain and unchecked growth, or we can harness the potential of this technology to create a world where innovation and sustainability work in harmony. The time to act is now. Let’s choose wisely.