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Tag: Harman

  • Harman plugs Sound United acquisition; expands product portfolio

    Harman plugs Sound United acquisition; expands product portfolio

    ONNECTICUT: Harman’s $350 million swoop for Sound United is a seismic play in the global audio rivalry, vaulting Samsung’s prized subsidiary to the very top of the premium audio hierarchy. Overnight, the deal delivers Harman an army of industry icons: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics—all famed not just for pedigree or hi-fi bravado, but cult customer devotion across the globe. 

    Sound United’s arrival telescopes Harman’s reach across every lucrative audio battleground—home audio gear, amplifiers, AV receivers, headphones and automotive audio now all under a single, thundering umbrella. By merging marque names, Harman becomes master of a 21-brand constellation, boosting its chances to dominate both traditional and emerging markets—from living room soundscapes to next-gen connected cars and wearables.

    Importantly, Sound United will run as a standalone strategic business unit, preserving each brand’s authenticity and loyal following even as it benefits from Harman’s vast distribution, R&D clout and Samsung’s global hardware ecosystem. The strategy: capitalise on fresh growth while leaving beloved products and sound signatures unspoiled, reassuring audiophile and casual buyers alike.

    For Harman, the move is about more than scale; it’s about future-proofing. Plugging Sound United’s legendary R&D and boutique appeal into Harman’s tech and supply chains means a faster track to innovation—from smarter, immersive hi-fi systems to AI-driven sound and car audio.

    “This is a bet on unmatched experience, quality and the next wave of audio technology,” says Harman lifestyle division president Dave Rogers.

    Analysts predict the expanded Harman will use its new firepower to take on both established peers and disruptors, targeting a global audio market expected to pass $75 billion by the end of the decade. For consumers and audiophiles, it signals more choice, greater technology trickle-down, and the lasting power of classic brands standing tall—with a turbocharged engine behind them.

  • Wipro strikes the right chord with Harman DTS acquisition for AI-led growth

    Wipro strikes the right chord with Harman DTS acquisition for AI-led growth

    MUMBAI: When a tech giant meets a sound maestro, sparks fly louder than music. Wipro Limited has signed an agreement to acquire the Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) business unit of Harman, a Samsung company, in a move that turbocharges its AI-powered engineering and consulting ambitions. The deal, expected to close by 31 December 2025 subject to regulatory nods, will see more than 5,600 DTS employees including senior leaders across the Americas, Europe and Asia, join Wipro’s ranks. The acquisition adds not just people, but precision: DTS specialises in domain-led design, connected products, software platforms, and AI-native accelerators, making it a prized catch for Wipro’s engineering global business line.

    “This marks a pivotal step in Wipro’s transformation journey,” said Wipro CEO and MD Srini Pallia highlighting how the deal blends DTS’ high-touch digital engineering with Wipro’s global consulting-led, AI-powered muscle. The aim? To accelerate digital innovation, cut time-to-market, and sharpen competitive edge for clients.

    For Wipro managing partner & global head of engineering Srikumar Rao,  the move strengthens the company’s software-defined, platform-centric approach, allowing it to deliver large-scale transformation across high-growth sectors like hi-tech, consumer, industrial, healthcare, and aerospace.

    From Harman’s side, the transition was framed as a springboard. “As part of Wipro, DTS will have the complementary capabilities and scale to expand its impact,” said Harman CEO Christian Sobottka while Harman chief strategy officer Carolin Reichert, noted the move frees Harman to double down on its automotive electronics and audio innovation.

    Crucially, the acquisition comes with a multi-year strategic agreement with Harman and Samsung, opening doors for joint growth and tighter collaboration in AI-first technologies.

    Advised by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., the transaction tunes perfectly into Wipro’s larger symphony: uniting virtual and physical worlds, embedding AI across engineering, and orchestrating innovation that resonates across industries.

    With DTS set to integrate into Wipro’s engineering arm post-acquisition, the tech giant may well have composed its boldest note yet in the race for digital transformation.
     

  • JBL blurs the line between real and surreal with powerful sound and incredible design

    JBL blurs the line between real and surreal with powerful sound and incredible design

    Mumbai: In a crowded landscape of branded content and commercials, differentiation is one of the biggest differentiating factors. Recognising this, audio giant JBL (from the house of HARMAN) has ingeniously showcased its distinctiveness through a captivating series of mixed-reality videos.

    Designed to create buzz about JBL’s top-of-the-line audio components like Tour One M2 Headphones, PartyBox Ultimate speaker, and Authentics speaker – each video showcases how powerful sound can make anything, and anybody, come alive and dance.

    Conceptualised by Havas Worldwide India, this immersive three-video series transcends conventional marketing approaches by seamlessly blending reality with technology. Iconic landmarks across India served as the canvas for this innovative showcase, offering viewers an unforgettable glimpse into JBL’s unrivalled professional audio capabilities.

    HARMAN India director of integrated marketing Yogesh Nambiar said, “We’re witnessing the growing and well-accepted use of AI, AR and VR in marketing campaigns. As a frontrunner in the audio industry, JBL is always eager to adopt the latest approaches and technologies that showcase the edge that we bring to the table. 2023 witnessed our 3D anamorphic films at various airports across the country which received an overwhelming response from partners and customers alike. This year, we are seeing great response on our mixed reality videos as well. The Authentics series video was no different. Thanks to our partners Havas Worldwide India and the people at Unstitched –  founders Ashvir Khurana & Nikita Ramrakhyani and Yashvi Bothra from the creative team – I daresay this one will surpass the earlier ones. I’m glad that this is how JBL lovers saw the product for the first time. One icon working with another.”

    Speaking about the campaign, Havas Worldwide India chief creative officer and joint managing director Anupama Ramaswamy said, “Mixed reality is a popular and powerful medium for brands. It is fun, light-hearted and immersive. It also makes the content more shareable and memorable. However, many brands use mixed reality as a gimmick, without any connection to the product or the message. JBL products are different. So, our ambition was to create something that displayed their abilities in full glory. They offer powerful sound and come with stunning designs. In the end, it was easy to land on an idea that makes the world around them come alive and party with them.”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JBL India (@jblindia)

     

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JBL India (@jblindia)

     

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JBL India (@jblindia)

     

  • HARMAN & Tata strengthen partnership with HARMAN Ignite platform launch

    HARMAN & Tata strengthen partnership with HARMAN Ignite platform launch

    Mumbai: HARMAN today announced that Tata Motors, an automobile manufacturer, has selected the HARMAN Ignite Store as its in-vehicle app store, bringing easily accessible, reliable and safe mobility experiences to more customers across a new geographical region. For the past decade, HARMAN and Tata Motors have collaborated to deliver cutting-edge intelligent cockpits and car audio products in India, with HARMAN’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in India playing a pivotal role in meeting the demands of Tata Motors’ expanding market presence.

    HARMAN Ignite Store is a safe and secure automotive platform, fully compliant with Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) standards that connects OEMs with developers to provide consumers unique in-vehicle digital experiences. Consumers can connect with their favorite digital services in the car, through an intuitive, safe, and secure interface. With HARMAN Ignite Store, OEMs and developers can realise lucrative digital revenue streams via new business models creating a stand-out and personalized driver experience for their customers. OEMs remain in control of the app catalogue, the app store’s look and feel, and the commercial relationship with the end-user.

    Through the new partnership with Tata Motors, the HARMAN Ignite Store is powering Arcade.ev, the automaker’s recently launched built-in app suite available in the market-leading Nexon.ev, India’s best-selling SUV, as well as in the Punch.ev. The list of apps will be continuously extended. The initial content partners include Gaana, Jio Saavn, Jio Pages, Beach Buggy Racing, TuneIn RadioPocketcasts, DASH Radio, Radioline, Trebble FM, Gaming and Video Apps.

    “We are delighted to collaborate with Tata Motors and bring India its first integrated in-vehicle app store,” said HARMAN International senior director of HARMAN Ignite Store Jens Beckmann. “HARMAN Ignite Store continues to bring unique in-vehicle app experiences from our developer partners — delivering on what consumers expect, today.”

    “Our relationship with HARMAN allows us to keep consumers connected to the content that is most important to them, while also delivering experiences that enhance their drive,” said Tata Motors chief product officer for EV Anand Kulkani. “Our customers want to bring their digital lives along with them on the road, with HARMAN Ignite Store our new Nexon.ev and Punch.ev vehicles deliver that for them, seamlessly.”

    HARMAN Ignite Store is designed to meet the rigorous demands and standards of the automotive environment — a value proposition that HARMAN calls ‘Consumer Experiences. Automotive Grade.’ It brings OEMs and Android developers together to make in-vehicle experiences easily accessible, reliable, and safe while providing OEMs and developers the opportunity to monetize these high-quality experiences throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

  • JBL tunes up this festive season with the new “Perfect Sound for Every Mood” campaign

    JBL tunes up this festive season with the new “Perfect Sound for Every Mood” campaign

    Mumbai: The festive season is here and so is the perfect mood for celebrations. JBL’s latest campaign, “Perfect Sound for Every Mood,” is your invitation to tune up the festive cheers with its cutting-edge Noise Cancellation Range, promising an immersive world of exceptional sound quality.

    JBL, the audio brand from the house of HARMAN, is all set to add an extra dose of joy to this festive season with its latest campaign, “Perfect Sound for Every Mood.” Kickstarted just in time for the festivities, JBL is inviting everyone to amp up their celebrations with the incredible JBL Noise Cancellation Range.

    JBL has something special in store for its customers as it presents a range of exclusive offers and discounts from 1 October to 20 November 2023 on its exceptional Noise Cancelling Range, including TWS earbuds, Premium NC headphones, and 1300 Soundbar.

    The captivating campaign, conceptualized and executed by Havas Worldwide India, showcases an impressive lineup of JBL’s Noise-Cancelling products. The film also features actors from diverse regions of India, bringing together the essence of our culturally rich nation.

    Speaking about the campaign,  HARMAN India director of integrated marketing Yogesh Nambiar said, “When we began planning our festive campaign, Team HAVAS and we were clear in our minds that we should be building our campaign on “something for everyone”. The idea that there is a JBL Active Noise Cancellation headphone for everyone to cater to every part of their lives took centre stage. From the hustle-bustle of pre-festive shopping to the inexplicable joy of travelling home and everything in between, there is a JBL to mute the world and unmute the festivities. That’s what we intended to capture and portray, and the outcome looks stunning.”

    Havas Worldwide India chief creative officer Anupama Ramaswamy said, “Festivals provide a unique chance for brands to share their most authentic narrative. So, when JBL wanted to mute all the other noise around and put the spotlight on their range of products with active noise cancellation, we joined forces and gave people a glimpse of the perfect sound for every mood this festive season, ensuring that the spirit of celebration resonates in the most remarkable way.”

     
     

  • Integrated marketing agency Grapes to handle social media duties for JBL

    Integrated marketing agency Grapes to handle social media duties for JBL

    Mumbai: JBL, an American-based audio electronics company owned by HARMAN, has chosen Grapes, a New Delhi-based integrated marketing agency, as its social media partner. The agency won the mandate following a multi-agency pitch.

    As per the mandate, Grapes will be responsible for the JBL’s social media strategy, planning, and execution. The agency will look after content creation and ORM, respectively, for the company.

    Speaking on the development, JBL, HARMAN India head of digital marketing Akhil Sethi said, “We are excited to partner with Grapes to further strengthen our social media efforts for JBL in India. The agency perfectly aligns with our vision, and we are confident that the collaboration will bring about a unified end result. Our campaign objective lies in creating clear communication that will help us connect with customers across demographics. We are looking forward to establishing a powerful brand narrative for JBL through Grapes in the months to come.”

    Commenting on the mandate win, Grapes CEO & co-founder Shradha Agarwal said, “We’re ecstatic to be associated with JBL India as their digital partners. The brand has a legacy of 75 years built on its unmatched sound quality and we are determined to strengthen JBL’s presence further with value-driven engagement, to make it the most preferred audio brand amongst the growing audience base.  With social media at the epicentre of our lives, we are keen on taking the brand’s social presence to the next level. While we will continue to leverage the key pillars of the brand like Mute the World, Dare to Listen, the Quantum gaming series, etc., we will be focusing on further enhancing the headphones vertical. We are also keen on tapping into the large sound and music-loving demographic in the country to build a unique community for the brand. The agency will create innovative campaigns for the brand to establish a strong line of connection with the audience, all aimed at enhancing the recall value of the brand.

  • Harman India appoints 80dB Communications as its PR Partner

    Harman India appoints 80dB Communications as its PR Partner

    Mumbai: Harman International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, has awarded its PR account in India to 80dB Communications, an integrated reputation management advisory.

    80dB Communications will be responsible for developing all PR and external communications programs aimed at showcasing the company’s innovations across its three businesses – automotive, lifestyle and digital transformation solutions.  

    Harman started its operation in India in 2009. Today, the company has more than 10,000 employees across India. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision, Harman has invested significant resources in building its R&D and manufacturing capabilities in India, including a state-of-the-art factory in Pune, Maharashtra, that delivers cutting-edge infotainment and audio solutions for Harman’s automotive partners.

    “We chose to partner with 80dB Communications for their creativity, insights and integrated communications approach. We look forward to working with them to create greater connections and engagement with our stakeholders and share more of our incredible brand stories”, said Harman India & DTS senior director (corporate communications) Jasleen K Makker.

    80dB Communications co-founder and Joint managing director Kiran Ray Chaudhury said, “We are thrilled to begin this exciting journey with HARMAN and look forward to this partnership to manage their strategic communications.”

  • HARMAN announces Priyanka Chopra as global brand ambassador

    HARMAN announces Priyanka Chopra as global brand ambassador

    HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced that actress, singer, producer and philanthropist Priyanka Chopra has been named a global brand ambassador for the company’s JBL and Harman Kardon® audio brands. Chopra will participate in a series of marketing initiatives including social media and brand awareness events for JBL and Harman Kardon. As ambassador of these brands, Chopra will walk the red carpet at the Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY® Gala Salute to Industry Icons with other luminaries as part of this weekend’s GRAMMY® celebration. HARMAN is the official sound of the GRAMMYs and a recipient of three technical awards for its JBL, AKG and Lexicon brands. 

    “Priyanka Chopra is the epitome of a barrier-breaking performer, bringing her iconic style and grace to everything that she does, from her award-winning entertainment career to her philanthropic work, and reaching fans all over the world,” said Ralph Santana, Chief Marketing Officer of HARMAN. “She is a force to be reckoned with and we look forward to working with her to develop innovative and engaging collaborations for our audio brands that are truly unique and first of their kind.” 

    After being crowned Miss World, Chopra made her foray into the entertainment industry and soon catapulted to international stardom. In 2015, Chopra made her American TV debut, making history as the first Indian actress to headline the lead role in an U.S. television series, starring in ABC’s Quantico. She was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017. Chopra is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is also involved in a number of philanthropic efforts to promote gender equality and the health and education of children around the world.

    “Music brings the world together. It defies boarders, colors and norms, often bridging cultures, genders, and generations,” said Priyanka Chopra. “Songs often become symbols of moments throughout our lives, encouraging, inspiring, empowering, and at times, healing us. I’ve long admired the sophistication of Harman Kardon and vibrant energy of JBL, and am honored to be collaborating with such iconic brands.”

    Chopra joins a diverse roster of HARMAN brand ambassadors from music, sports and entertainment, including American multi-platinum performing artist Demi Lovato; prolific musician, producer and humanitarian Quincy Jones; Indian music mogul Dr. A. R. Rahman, world-renowned pianist, educator and philanthropist Lang Lang, 2015-16 NBA Kia Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry; NBA All-Star and musician Damian Lillard; and soccer star Jerome Boateng, among others. HARMAN’s ambassador team reflects the brand’s continued emphasis on forging unique and integrated partnerships that reach deeply into culture.

  • Bengaluru’s Fastrack Music Run attracts 8,000 footfalls

    Bengaluru’s Fastrack Music Run attracts 8,000 footfalls

    BENGALURU: Braving torrential rain, 8,000 people came to the Bengaluru leg of the Fastrack Music Run on Saturday, 19 August 2017. The event creators Fresh Events Global, The Music Run™, managed to rope in a r of sponsors – these included Titan Company Limited’s funky brand Fastrack as the title sponsor. Other sponsors were ACT Fibernet, Harman, Nokia, United Colours of Benetton, Pringles, Sofit, Pepsi Black, Budweiser Experiences, Radio Indigo, Clarks Exotica, Vh1, INOX and Himalayan Water.

    The event promoters, Baseline Ventures, say that the Bengaluru event has been one of the best they’ve seen with the crowd really getting into The Music Run spirit. The event paid good dividend to the sponsors.

    A Fastrack spokesperson said through a press release, “We are really bowled over with the response The Music Run by Fastrack has received this year. A seamless blend of music and fitness, today’s event is truly what Fastrack stands for – energy, excitement and self-expression. We received huge waves of entries for Fastrack’s first of its kind service, #Bookmyshoulder where concert goers booked a shoulder to get a better view of the performances on stage. The adult ball pit and life size beer pong was just as much in demand, with the customised tunnel night club experience being the highlight on the soundtrack. The vibe today was infectious and we’re really thrilled to have delivered a full blown experience, like no other.”

    Baseline Ventures co-founder Vishal Jaison said, “We’ve had such a positive response since announcing that The Music Run by Fastrack was coming back to Bengaluru for the second time that we always knew this was going to be a great event – and the crowd today was fantastic. It was amazing to see people of all abilities running, dancing and partying together and enjoying great music every step of the way. People in Bengaluru have shown that they love this format and it represents the new generation of fun running events, where crowd sourcing and social media are used to enable people to actively shape and share the experience they have. The response we’ve seen to The Music Run, both here and overseas, demonstrates that there is a real appetite for it and we look forward to bringing an even bigger and better The Music Run by Fastrack event back to Bengaluru next year.”

    Launched in 2014 by Fresh Events Global, The Music Run™ is claimed to be the ultimate 5k running and music festival. The creators say that for music lovers, casual runners and fun seekers, The Music Run™ is more like a party than a run – it is the only 5km fun run that puts music at the heart. The Music Run™ empowers participants to control the soundtrack of the run by voting for their favourite songs in the build up to the Event. Voting is via a bespoke ‘Music Voting App’ and the songs with the most votes make the official run playlist

    Bengaluru is one of over 15 cities across three continents that The Music Run™ will be introduced to in 2017, making it one of the fastest growing fun run events of its kind worldwide. The Music Run™ was first held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2014. The event creators claim that The Music Run™ has already been experienced by more than 185,000 participants across 22 events and 11 countries from Singapore to Shanghai. In 2017 The Music Run™ has inaugural events in Europe, Africa & the Middle East and expansion plans across Australasia, North & South America.