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Tag: Bikash Chowdhury

  • Cricket fans score with second screens: Glance report

    Cricket fans score with second screens: Glance report

    MUMBAI: Cricket enthusiasts across India are no longer content with merely watching the game—they’re demanding a richer, more immersive experience on their second screens. A new report from Glance, the world’s leading smart lock screen platform, has caught the digital behaviours of these sports-mad fans with their fingers firmly on their mobile devices.

    Released yesterday in partnership with InMobi Advertising and AppsFlyer, the Decoding Indian Cricket Fans report lays bare how cricket has become less about passive viewing and more about active engagement across multiple screens.

    During last year’s IPL tournament—a veritable religious experience for Indian sports fans—a whopping 120 million users turned to the Glance smart lock screen platform, driving engagement levels 2.4 times higher than normal periods. These smartphone-wielding enthusiasts spent 44 per cent more time consuming cricket-related content, generating an eye-watering 314 billion glances and 433 million taps.

    “At Glance, we’re reimagining how consumers interact with their daily devices such as mobile lock screens and connected TVs, transforming them into more engaging screens and smarter surfaces,” says InMobi and Glance chief marketing officer  Bikash Chowdhury clearly pleased as punch with the findings.

    While English dominated content consumption at around 81 per cent, regional languages are staging a remarkable comeback. Hindi led the vernacular charge at 36.22 per cent, followed by Tamil (25.31 per cent), Kannada (15.35 per cent), Marathi (12.13 per cent) and Telugu (10.99 per cent)—suggesting cricket’s appeal transcends linguistic boundaries.

    The report also reveals that 74 per cent of cricket content consumers use devices priced under Rs 30,000, making this a mass-market phenomenon rather than an elite pastime.

    Cricket season isn’t just about runs and wickets—it’s about apps and clicks too. Last year’s tournament saw Android app installs surge by a hefty 35 per cent from pre-season to peak, while iOS installations jumped 28 per cent.

    Gaming apps enjoyed click-through rates six times higher than normal periods, while home entertainment platforms saw rates 5.6 times higher. Cricket fans also proved themselves to be an advertiser’s dream, with 9.4 per cent more in-app clicks, 21 times higher video ad engagement, and full-screen interstitials delivering 13 times better performance than industry benchmarks.

    “The intersection of cricket and digital engagement has never been more powerful,” says AppsFlyer,  general manager Insea/ANZ Sanjay Trisal, clearly bowled over by the numbers. “This is a prime opportunity for brands—not just to reach audiences but to engage them meaningfully at high-intent moments.”

    For marketers looking to cash in on cricket mania, the report offers a clear message: start early, target multiple screens, and don’t retire once the tournament ends. Remarketing strategies should be timed according to category, with entertainment and food delivery apps performing best mid-season, while finance and investment apps hit their stride after the final whistle.

    As the report aptly concludes: “As with a good shot, timing is everything.”

  • Glance-upGrad partner up to tackle India’s 13.4 per cent unemployment rate

    Glance-upGrad partner up to tackle India’s 13.4 per cent unemployment rate

    MUMBAI: Imagine unlocking your phone and unlocking your future at the same time.

    In a world where smart screens are as essential as the air we breathe, Glance and upGrad are reshaping how we learn and grow. This groundbreaking collaboration turns your lock screen into a gateway of endless possibilities, offering free, job-ready skills through upGrad’s Intern-Zip programme.

    With the swipe of a finger, millions of young Indians now have access to life-changing upskilling opportunities, proving that in the 21st century, innovation and ambition go hand in hand.

    Glance reaches 235 million users daily, nearly 47 per cent of whom are under the age of 24—making it a strategic platform to connect with young Indians. Within three weeks of the launch, upGrad’s content has garnered over 100 million views (glances) on lock screens, underscoring the programme’s reach and impact.

    The Intern-Zip programme, designed for individuals aged 20-24, aims to address India’s 13.4 per cent unemployment rate among graduates by equipping them with skills for professional success. Courses include foundational topics such as technical expertise, soft skills, and professional development, all accessible directly from the users’ lock screens.

    InMobi co-founder & Glance COO & president, Piyush Shah expressed optimism about the initiative, “With Glance, we’re not only reaching millions—we’re empowering them to seize opportunities and inspire them to discover something new every moment. By bringing upGrad’s workforce-ready content directly on smart lock screens, we’re equipping users with technical expertise, soft skills, and professional development tools.”

    upGrad co-founder, Mayank Kumar highlighted the relevance of skilling in a transforming economy, “India has now become a global epicentre of learning and skilling, and this is the most opportune time to scale our value proposition to a different demographic altogether. Partnering with Glance allows us to expand our reach and leverage smart tech integration, further reinforcing our commitment to this cause.”

    Glance chief marketing officer, Bikash Chowdhury underscored the programme’s alignment with India’s broader economic goals, “As India works towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, a skilled, adaptable workforce is essential for sustaining growth and solidifying the nation’s standing as a global talent hub. Our goal with the Glance for Good programme is to inspire positive behaviour and drive large-scale, real-world impact.”

    By combining Glance’s AI-driven lock screen platform, available in seven Indian languages, with upGrad’s expertise in skilling, the initiative creates an unparalleled opportunity to empower India’s youth and address the evolving demands of a tech-driven economy.

  • Babil Khan’s comedic moment with mother shines in Glance’s #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign

    Babil Khan’s comedic moment with mother shines in Glance’s #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign

    Mumbai: Glance, one of the world’s leading Smart Lock Screen platforms, has teamed up with new-age Bollywood actor Babil Khan for their latest #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign. The campaign is geared towards encouraging the adoption of Glance Smart Lock Screen, a platform that has already garnered a substantial user base of over 200 million monthly active users in India.

    The collaboration between Glance and Babil Khan addresses the issue of information overload in a light-hearted manner, showcasing a solution that frees users from the exhausting cycle of searching for information, downloading multiple apps, and constantly unlocking their smartphones. In the videos, Babil Khan and his mother, Sutapa Sikdar playfully highlights the Glance Smart Lock Screen as an intelligent platform that caters to all generations and enhances the user experience by providing everything directly on the lock screen, eliminating any need for tedious searches and clicks.

    In the viral video, Babil humorously teases his mother about their respective generations’ tech savviness, playfully asserting that the Glance Smart Lock Screen is the smartest of them all. His mother counters with her own witty remarks, showcasing the features of the Glance Smart Lock Screen. The video, which was first shared on social media by Viral Bhayani has received an overwhelming response, amassing thousands of views, likes, and comments within hours.

    As a popular figure among the new generation of Bollywood stars, Babil Khan perfectly embodies the spirit of the #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign. He charmingly portrays a tech-savvy Gen Z individual who appreciates the smart features and benefits offered by the Glance Smart Lock Screen. Along with his mother, he shares the enthusiasm for Glance’s features, including personalized content, news & sports updates, gaming, and shopping, all accessible without having to unlock the smartphone.

    Commenting on the campaign, actor Babil Khan said, “I must say #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign with Glance was my first collaboration with my mother and indeed a very memorable experience. Generational gaps are a fun thing in every family, but Glance is a platform that can bind families over common interests and shared passions. It’s been exciting exploring Glance’s smart features, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience this convenience on their lock screens.”

    Sutapa Sikdar said, “It seems like yesterday when I taught him words and today, he stands eight inches taller than me and working professionally together. Can I have words to describe this feeling? Like I would not have words to describe how easy and special Glance was, though we agreed to disagree on the point that my generation was smarter!! While we both agreed glance helped me to stay updated and it is super easy!”

    Glance chief marketing officer Bikash Chowdhury said, “We are delighted to have Babil Khan on board for our #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign. His relatability and charm resonate with our audience, making him the perfect choice for this campaign. At Glance, we strive to enhance user experience by providing relevant content right on the lock screen, eliminating the need for constant searching and unlocking. We believe that this campaign, coupled with Babil and his mother’s humorous banter, will further our mission of simplifying technology for users across all generations.”

    Glance comes as a pre-installed feature on leading Android smartphone brands. In India alone, over 200 million users spend more than 25 minutes daily on their Glance-enabled Smart Lock Screens, engaging with personalised content spanning over 15 categories including entertainment, music, sports, and many more. Catering to a diverse consumer base, Glance is available in seven languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, and Kannada.

  • #YehSmartHaiBoss contest winners met Salman Khan at the Bigg Boss house

    #YehSmartHaiBoss contest winners met Salman Khan at the Bigg Boss house

    Mumbai: Glance, smart lock screen platform announced the winners of the highly anticipated #YehSmartHaiBoss contest. The contest which ran on Glance Smart Lock Screen gave participants with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on the sets of the popular reality show, BIGG BOSS Season 17.

    The #YehSmartHaiBoss contest, held from 1 November to 31 December, generated an overwhelmingly positive response from Glance consumers across India. More than 15 crore participants engaged in daily questions related to Salman Khan, BIGG Boss and the entertainment industry on their glance smart lock screen, every day. Some participants played the #yehSmartHaiBoss contest quiz more than a thousand times on their Glance Smart Lock Screens. The contest brought together people from across the country who shared a common love for Salman Khan.

    Last week, Glance announced three lucky winners from different parts of India who were granted the exclusive opportunity to meet Salman Khan at the BIGG BOSS house. These winners were selected based on their impressive number of correct answers and their unwavering enthusiasm throughout the contest.

    The winners of the #YehSmartHaiBoss Contest are:

       Mallika Ghosh from Durgapur
       Anju Dorale from Mumbai
       Arpit Singh from Bengaluru

    Glance chief marketing officer Bikash Chowdhury expressed his excitement about the unique initiative, stating, “Glance is dedicated to connecting consumers with their inspirations and shared passions through premium content, exclusive events, celebrity interactions, and more. The success of the #YehSmartHaiBoss campaign stands as a testament to this commitment. The unique campaign on Glance Smart Lock Screen has fulfilled Salman Khan fans’ dreams of meeting the star, reflecting the immense popularity of BIGG BOSS.”

    Mallika Ghosh, winner from Durgapur, West Bengal, expressed her exhilaration, stating, “Glance has truly fuelled my determination to pursue my dream of meeting Salman Khan. I am immensely grateful to Glance for providing me with this incredible opportunity to finally meet him in person.”

    Anju Dorale, winner from Mumbai, Maharashtra, shared, “Since my childhood, I have been the ultimate fan of Salman Khan, watching all his movies with great enthusiasm. I cannot thank Glance enough for organizing the remarkable #YehSmartHaiBoss contest, which brought fans like me even closer to Salman Khan. The daily quiz on Glance was an absolute delight, as it not only provided me with the opportunity to meet Salman Khan in person but also stay up to date with all the exciting news surrounding BIGG BOSS, right on my lock screen.”

    Arpit Singh, winner from Bengaluru, Karnataka said, “As a passionate follower of BIGG BOSS and Salman Khan, the daily smart quiz on Glance that revolved around Salman’s illustrious career brought back a flood of memories, from his iconic movies to his unforgettable roles, dialogues, and songs. Engaging in this contest was an absolute pleasure, and I am immensely grateful to Glance for granting me this opportunity to showcase my unwavering admiration for the actor. It truly feels like a dream turned into reality.”

    Glance, as BIGG BOSS’s official Smart Lock Screen partner for this season, continues to revolutionize the way viewers experience reality TV. Through exclusive BIGG BOSS content and intelligent integrations, Glance Smart Lock Screen caters to contestants and fans alike, providing a seamless and engaging experience.

  • Over nine million fans participated in “We for Virat” contest

    Over nine million fans participated in “We for Virat” contest

    Mumbai: Over 9.3 million cricket enthusiasts nationwide actively participated in the “We For Virat” contest during the recently concluded Cricket World Cup. This contest which was organised by Glance, the world’s leading Smart Lock Screen, in partnership with Star Sports, South Asia’s largest sports broadcaster, was aimed to engage cricket fans in supporting the batting maestro Virat Kohli on his journey towards the 50th ODI centuries milestone.

    The contest was simultaneously held on Glance Smart Lock Screen and during the live cricket broadcast on Star Sports. Cricket fans were presented with questions related to Kohli, enhancing their engagement with the game. The combined influence of television broadcast and the digital platform resulted in entries flooding in from 252 different cities and towns across India, turning it into a truly national moment.

    Glance CMO Bikash Chowdhury said, “Glance Smart Lock Screen is changing how over 200 million Indians connect and engage with the world around them. With our expansive reach and Smart Lock Screen capabilities, we have united millions of Indian cricket fans through a partnership with Star Sports on television. Fuelled by immense passion for the Indian cricket team, the participation of over 9.3 million Indians made this World Cup truly exceptional. This collaboration showcases the synergy of digital and television, contributing to a distinctive and memorable experience as an Indian legend surpassed another on home turf.”

    The contest involved people answering daily questions asked on Glance smart lock screens and the Cricket Live broadcast on Star Sports before and after every match in the period played between 1 to 11 November. Five lucky winners, who came from diverse towns and cities such as Kolad, Maharashtra and Kolkata, West Bengal, got a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the Star Sports studios.

    On November 15, they became part of the live broadcast for the India-New Zealand semi-final from the Star Sports studio in Mumbai and had the opportunity to meet renowned ex-cricketers from Star Sports’ expert line up.

    Throughout the tournament, Glance has been delivering World Cup highlights and related updates directly to millions of smart lock screens. With over 75 million Indians actively engaging with the content on their smart lock screens, and a total of 69,444 hours of content consumed daily during World Cup, this has become an extraordinary moment. The frictionless access provided by Glance smart lock screen has allowed users to stay informed about every moment in this record-breaking tournament.

    Glance is an AI-driven platform that offers a wide range of experiences directly on the lock screens of android smartphones. These lock screen experiences include instant games, live game streaming, news, sports, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, shopping, and live content. These premium and beautiful experiences are delivered through Glance’s partnership with reputed publishers, content partners, and developers. Glance’s AI personalises these experiences, ensuring that consumers find content that is most relevant and important to them, each time they glance or look at their lock screen. They do this without needing to unlock their phones or download multiple apps or spend time searching for content.

  • Glance introduces a smart lock screen to elevate the BIGG BOSS experience

    Glance introduces a smart lock screen to elevate the BIGG BOSS experience

    Mumbai: Glance, one of the world’s leading smart lock screen platforms, is revolutionising how over 200 million Indians engage with the internet by delivering personalised and premium experiences to their smart lock screens. Now, in an exciting development, Glance has partnered with India’s iconic reality TV show, BIGG BOSS, as its official Smart Lock Screen partner for this season. This partnership is set to enrich contestants’ gameplay and heighten the experience for millions of fans across the country, ushering in a new era of entertainment.

    As part of this partnership, Glance and BIGG BOSS will bring several smart and intelligent integrations and engaging experiences, for contestants and fans alike. With this season’s theme being Dil, Dimaag Aur Dum, the Glance Smart Lock Screen will play a pivotal role for contestants in the Dimaag makaan. For the first time in history, contestants in the Dimaag makaan will be given exclusive and crucial BIGG BOSS news, insider insights, smart tips and tricks that will help them strategize their gameplay inside the house, enabling them to play smarter and get ahead.

    Additionally, in another first, fans can also stay at the heart of the action receiving daily updates, participating in live discussions, and enjoying engaging content on BIGG BOSS right on their Glance Smart Lock Screen. This year, Glance will have more than 30 shows that will deliver daily news, highlight key moments of contestants, and offer insightful predictions for the show. Viewers can also explore segments decoding contestants’ fashion choices, participate in interactive sessions with fan clubs through live fun tasks and quizzes, and share their perspectives on the show. All these shows are carefully curated by some of India’s best live streamers, making fans an integral part of what could potentially be the nation’s largest BIGG BOSS fan community.

    Glance chief marketing officer Bikash Chowdhury said, “We are happy to announce our partnership with BIGG BOSS, a show that truly connects with and engages audiences across the country just like Glance. At Glance, we deliver personalised, premium information and LIVE entertainment to consumers in the country right on their smart lock screens. This is the perfect partnership to help both contestants and audiences to discover something new and exciting every day. We are excited to collaborate and create smart and intelligent experiences in this season of BIGG BOSS which will take contestants and audiences on a journey filled with smart gameplay, daily inspirations and joyful adventures.”

    Viacom18 head of revenue COLORS Pavithra KR said, “In our unwavering commitment to pioneering innovation, we have consistently paved the way for brands to immerse themselves in an unparalleled experience. The theme of the house this season is “Dil Dimaag Dum”. As a vital component of the ‘Dimaag’ room, the Glance Smart Lock Screen empowers contestants to elevate their game through strategic thinking. This partnership is truly unique and ground-breaking. Glance Smart Lock Screen is seamlessly woven into the fabric of this iconic reality show, offering daily engagement that enriches the lives of the housemates.”

    Glance is an AI-driven platform that offers a wide range of experiences directly on the lock screens of Android smartphones. These include instant games, live game streaming, news, sports, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, shopping, and live content. Glance’s AI personalises these experiences, ensuring that consumers find content that is most relevant and important to them, each time they glance or look at their lock screen. They do this without needing to unlock their phones download multiple apps or spend time searching for content.

    Stay tuned to BIGG BOSS, every Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 pm only on COLORS

  • Glance teams up with Jackie Shroff for #UnlockNahiKarneka campaign

    Glance teams up with Jackie Shroff for #UnlockNahiKarneka campaign

    Mumbai: Last week, a video of Jackie Shroff talking to the media went viral on several social media channels. In the video, Jackie Shroff can be seen posing for photographers before getting into his car. Though he was in a hurry, he spent few minutes interacting with the photographers, who asked what he does on when he gets bored, and especially during travel. Jackie with his signature grin, unveiled his secret travel companion – his Glance-enabled smartphone. The video, shared on Viral Bhayani’s Instagram handle went viral, and has received more than 1.7mn views, over 100,000 likes and comments, and has been shared more than 10,000 times in 24 hours.

    Following this episode, Glance, one of the world’s leading smart lock screen platforms, roped in Jackie Shroff for their latest campaign, #UnlockNahiKarneKa. The campaign encourages Indians to embrace Glance’s smart lock screen that has over 200 million active users in the country already.

    In an era where information overload has become the new norm, the #UnlockNahiKarneka campaign seeks to liberate users from the endless cycle of searching for information, downloading multiple apps, and constantly unlocking their smartphones. In a series of fun videos, Jackie Shroff in his full Jaggu Dada style introduces Glance smart lock screen and explains how it transforms user experience by presenting everything directly on the lock screen, eliminating the need for tedious searches and clicks.

    Being a beloved and relatable figure in Indian cinema and having a mass connect with people across India, Jackie Shroff perfectly embodies the spirit of the campaign. Through these engaging videos, he takes on the role of an educator, showing his charisma and wit as he enlightens the paparazzi and consumers about the benefits of Glance. In fact, he also reveals to them how he effortlessly accesses tailored content, plays hyper casual, free to play games, watches live shows, indulges in shopping through Roposo integrations, and more, all without unlocking his smartphone.

    Speaking about the campaign, Jackie Shroff said, “Glance is packed with some unbelievable features and I connected with the platform instantly. Now, whenever I have free time or want to take it easy, I spend time on Glance smart lock screen.”

    Sharing details about the campaign, Glance chief marketing officer Bikash Chowdhury said, “We are excited to join forces with Jackie Shroff and educating India about Glance smart lock screen. Jackie Shroff’s genuine charm and relatable authenticity perfectly aligns with the campaign’s core philosophy. The #UnlockNahiKarneka campaign will not only resonate across the country, but also empower users to adopt the Glance smart lock screen, prompting a redefinition of their smartphone engagement.”

    Glance is a ‘smart lock screen’ that comes pre-installed on several leading Android smartphone brands and models. It has redefined the way content is consumed, removing the need for searching and downloading multiple apps. In India, more than 200 million users spend over 25 minutes every day on their Glance-enabled lock screens consuming personalised content across more than 15 categories such as entertainment, music, sports, and much more. Glance is available in seven languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada.