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Tag: IoT

  • Hyundai-Samsung debut Private 5G Redcap Tech to power smart factories

    Hyundai-Samsung debut Private 5G Redcap Tech to power smart factories

    MUMBAI: The future of smart manufacturing just got faster, leaner, and sharper. Hyundai Motor Company and Samsung Electronics have teamed up to bring Private 5G (P-5G) Redcap (Reduced Capability) technology to the factory floor, promising seamless communication, reduced power consumption, and cost efficiency. The game-changing tech will take centre stage at MWC25 Barcelona from 3–6 March 2025, where Hyundai will showcase its impact on the mobility manufacturing sector.

    Hyundai has always pushed the envelope in future mobility, from electrification to software-driven innovations. Now, with Samsung’s cutting-edge network solutions, it has become the first in the mobility manufacturing sector to verify P-5G Redcap technology. The collaboration aims to revolutionise how factories communicate, automate, and optimise workflows.

    “Hyundai Motor was the first Korean company to implement P-5G in mass production,” said Hyundai Motor and Kia VP & head of the E-forest center Jae Min Lee. “We are also the industry’s first to verify P-5G Redcap technology, reinforcing our global leadership in smart manufacturing solutions. We will continue to accelerate its commercialisation.”

    Samsung’s Networks Business also sees this partnership as a beacon for the industry. “The recent collaboration with Hyundai Motor represents how the two leaders in their respective industries can creatively drive business innovation and unlock new real use cases by merging best-in-class expertise. Samsung’s Redcap-powered private 5G network solutions will open up more possibilities for enterprises, manufacturers, and public institutions, serving as a gateway to driving more efficient 5G networks,” said Samsung Electronics VP & head of B2B·B2G business development, Simon Lee.

    Since January 2025, Hyundai has rigorously tested Samsung’s P-5G solutions, including radio, core, and management systems, using its in-house vehicle inspection equipment at Samsung’s Suwon campus. The companies even developed a custom vehicle inspection device to put the network’s capabilities to the test.

    The results? Seamless, interference-free communication, crucial for centralising control over industrial robots and devices. P-5G Redcap simplifies configurations, shrinks infrastructure requirements, and optimises bandwidth use—all while cutting costs and power consumption. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi, it offers superior speed, data processing, connection stability, and low latency.

    Previously, high-performance equipment dominated Redcap applications, but Hyundai has now integrated Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System chipsets into its Diagnostic Scan (D Scan) system. This enables high-speed wireless communication for vehicle inspection tools, cameras, and tablets, ensuring a more efficient workflow.

    Samsung’s P-5G solution, equipped with optimised Redcap software, more than doubles uplink capacity for real-time IoT data transmission while keeping power consumption in check. Its integrated management system automates network functions, adding another layer of efficiency.

    Hyundai has already put this cutting-edge technology into action. In October 2024, it deployed P-5G Redcap at its Ulsan plant in South Korea, equipping the facility with dozens of automated guided vehicles. Over at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), more than 200 autonomous mobile robots now operate seamlessly, thanks to the technology’s adaptation to local regulations.

    The results have been staggering. Communication disruptions and downtime have plummeted, allowing Hyundai to patent a dual wireless communication solution that combines 5G networks with Wifi. Since deployment, the system has maintained zero communication-related downtime—a major feat in industrial automation.

    Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to integrate P-5G into its new EV-dedicated plant in Ulsan, set to open in 2026. As the company continues its Redcap rollout, it is laying the groundwork for a smarter, faster, and more connected manufacturing ecosystem.

  • Top five game-changing technology-based solution providers for precision farming

    Top five game-changing technology-based solution providers for precision farming

    Mumbai: The agriculture sector is currently attempting to feed a growing global population sustainably while dealing with major issues including resource depletion and climate change. To improve agricultural practices, precision farming makes use of a variety of technology, including sensors, GPS, drones, artificial intelligence, and microbial-based solutions. These technologies enable farmers to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns precisely, improving crop quality and increasing yields while decreasing waste and more efficiently allocating resources. In the face of climate change and food scarcity, precision farming is essential for sustainable agriculture because it promotes resource conservation, well-informed decision-making, adaptability, and global food security.

    Listing down the top five game-changing technology-based solution providers for precision farming:

    Microbial-Based Solutions: IPL Biologicals Limited has promoted a sustainable future by managing pests and residues while optimizing crop yield, quality, and soil health through the use of native microbial-based solutions. Maintaining its dedication to secure and environmentally friendly farming, IPL combines integrated pest and nutrient management, substituting microorganisms for chemicals. Ever since its inception in 1994, the company IPL Biologicals has laid down the benchmark to gain trust among farmers for premium yields and return on investment by putting the health of the world and the welfare of their customers first. With its wide array of biological solutions—such as bio-fungicides, bio-fertilizers, and bio-insecticides—IPL uses the power of microbes to promote sustainable agriculture. Their cutting-edge products, which have more than 50 organic certifications and comply with regulations, aim to transform the sector with their high CFU counts and extended shelf lives. Performance and sustainability are given top priority by IPL to improve the world going forward.

    Drones: Thanos Technologies has been a pioneer in the domain of drone manufacturing since 2016. However, no other company shouts louder about the revolution in precision farming than the company. They have a keen focus on in-house drone production and state-of-the-art technology for customized solutions for agriculture. Their commitment to innovation goes beyond anything and extends from agricultural drones for crop management to tailor-made solutions for specific needs. Notably, they have just introduced a cutting-edge agricultural spraying-as-a-service that pushes the boundaries of precision farming practices. On the path of innovation, Thanos Technologies represents the idea of a revolutionary break from ordinary practices. Their commitment to surpassing expectations underlines their belief in delivering instead of promising, painting the skies with ideas that challenge the status quo of farming practices.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Agriculture is changing through AI and machine learning in various ways: from predicting yields to disease detection and even sorting. To make these predictions, Cropin, a company founded in 2010, is a leader in Agtech thanks to its Cropin Cloud, the first industry cloud specifically designed for agriculture in the world. By enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions through the use of digitization and predictive intelligence, farming efficiency, production, risk management, and sustainability are all improved. With 16 million acres digitalized and more than 250 B2B partnerships, Cropin has an impact on more than seven million farmers worldwide. Leading the way in the ‘Ag-intelligence’ trend, Cropin’s agricultural knowledge graph spans 103 nations and more than 500 crops and 10,000 variants. Predictive intelligence is computed for more than 0.2 billion acres globally using the Cropin Cloud’s intelligence platform. By enabling data-driven insights, streamlining resource use, tackling issues like food shortages and climate change, and revolutionizing precision farming, this game-changing technology eventually advances sustainable agriculture on a worldwide basis.

    Robotics: Using AI-powered agricultural robots, Niqo Robotics (previously TartanSense) is leading a sustainable agricultural revolution in India. With a foundation in their goal of “Victory of the People,” Niqo seeks to liberate the farming ecology by developing trustworthy and easily available robots for environmentally friendly farming practices. Their creative strategy combines the concepts of precision farming with artificial intelligence to maximize agricultural techniques. These robots give farmers cutting-edge instruments to increase output, reduce resource use, and lessen their influence on the environment. Niqo Robotics enables farmers to make well-informed decisions, adjust to changing conditions, and sustainably increase yields by utilizing automation and data-driven insights. Their dedication to developing precision farming technologies is a testament to their vision of a day when agricultural innovation will drive agricultural growth and provide food security and environmental stewardship for future generations.

    Internet of Things (IoT): GramworkX uses satellite, AI, and Internet of Things technology to provide a cutting-edge smart farm resource management application. It provides farmers with essential information on microclimate, current weather information, forecasts, and irrigation scheduling. To avoid over- and under-irrigation, which can impede crop growth, the algorithm optimizes irrigation by taking into account soil type, meteorological conditions, crop stage, and irrigation system. Furthermore, by continuously improving forecasts through the analysis of meteorological information from multiple places, their machine-learning system provides irrigation forecasts up to one week in advance. Farmers can make more informed decisions with GramworkX, which increases farm output and resource efficiency. With the help of this all-inclusive solution, farmers can plan irrigation more easily and make well-informed decisions that will maximize crop growth and sustainability.

    From Microbial Based Solutions, drones, artificial intelligence, Robotics and the Internet of Things, there exist technological innovations that will revolutionize precision farming. These, in turn, have improved crop resilience, raised yields, and laid the foundation for sustainable and efficient production, in a bid to curb concerns of global food insecurity, while ushering in the way for effective and efficient agricultural production.

  • TRAI extends deadline for submissions in satellite-based connectivity paper

    TRAI extends deadline for submissions in satellite-based connectivity paper

    New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit their suggestions on satellite-based connectivity for low-bit rate applications to 23 April.

    The telecom regulator had floated a discussion paper on 12 March seeking views to make satellite communications more affordable in the country. It had also sought feedback on whether licensed national long distance (NLD) operators can be allowed to offer satellite services to connect the new wave of Internet of things (IoT) devices, and if only some frequency bands should be available for such satellite-based IoT connectivity.

    TRAI seeks suggestions to make satellite broadband services affordable

    The low bit-rate applications (below 64 kbits per second) are sensor-based applications used in ATMs, traffic management, vehicle tracking, IoT devices. The written comments were invited from the stakeholders by 9 April and counter comments by 23 April.

    On Friday, TRAI announced that it has extended the deadline for submission of written comments and counter comments up to 23 April and 7 May respectively upon industry request. “No further requests for extension would be considered,” it stated in a press release.

    “With the evolution of satellite communication technologies, new types of applications based on low-bit-rate applications are emerging. Such applications require low cost, low power, and small size terminals that can effectively perform the task of signal transfer with a minimum loss,” TRAI highlighted in its paper, adding that there was also a need for a single-window clearance for all kinds of satellite-based processes.

    Among other issues, it also sought views on whether satellite service licensees should be allowed to obtain bandwidth from foreign satellites for providing IoT connectivity. It also invited suggestions on whether a new licensing framework should be proposed for the provision of satellite-based connectivity for low-bit-rate applications or the existing licensing framework may be suitably amended to include the provisioning of such connectivity.

    “Even though the cost of launching a satellite in India is the lowest globally, yet the licensing formalities, technical criteria, lack of ‘Open Skies Policy’ are significant barriers for the growth of satellite services in the country. The satellite services need to be made affordable for wider acceptability by price-sensitive Indian industry and end-users,” the telecom regulator had noted.

  • Airtel-AWS partner to offer cloud services to M&E firms

    Airtel-AWS partner to offer cloud services to M&E firms

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping to take Indian companies further into the cloud. Telco Bharati Airtel has signed a multi-year, strategic collaborateon agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS.) to deliver a comprehensive set of innovative cloud solutions to large enterprise and small and medium enterprise (SME) customers in India. The duo will offer industry-specific solutions to customers across different sectors including banking and financial services, manufacturing, IT/ITeS, and media and entertainment.

    Airtel serves over 2500 large enterprises and more than a million emerging businesses and companies with an integrated product portfolio, including Airtel Cloud, a multi-cloud product and solutions business.

    Airtel Cloud will build an AWS Cloud Practice supported by AWS Professional Services, as well as develop differentiated Airtel Cloud products and capabilities leveraging AWS services, Airtel’s data center capabilities and its network and telecom offerings. Airtel customers will benefit from an integrated sales, consulting, and support approach from both companies and improved security, scalability, and cloud management capabilities.

    Airtel Cloud will offer customers a range of AWS services including Windows on AWS, SAP on AWS, VMware Cloud on AWS, database migration, and security and risk governance solutions. In addition, it  will leverage AWS’s innovation and transformation services across analytics, data warehousing, internet of things (IoT), and machine learning (ML) to help customers adopt new services and migrate to the cloud from legacy infrastructures.

    “At Airtel, our endeavour is to enable enterprise customers to stay focused on their core businesses while we drive end-to-end digital transformation for them. As part of their cloud adoption journey, enterprises are looking for agility, faster migration from legacy systems, and want to work with trusted partners who have the experience and depth in doing this. This collaboration brings AWS, the world’s leading cloud platform, together with Airtel’s deep reach and proven expertise in handling network, data centers, security, and cloud as an intergrated solution,” said Bharti Airtel CIO & head-cloud and security business Harmeen Mehta.

    Additionally, Airtel leverages AWS services for development of its digital applications. Airtel is also an AWS Direct Connect Delivery Partner. AWS Direct Connect is a cloud service solution that makes it easy to establish a dedicated network connection from a customer’s premises to AWS, providing customers with increased bandwidth throughput, consistent network performance, and private connectivity.

    “I am delighted with the expansion of our relationship with Airtel. Indian companies are using the cloud to innovate, and in order to operate at an increased scale and speed. Many need partners like irtel, with deep cloud expertise and an industry-focused approach to support them,” said Amazon Internet Services president commercial business, India & south Asia Puneet Chandok. “This collaboration gives customers a single point of contact when dealing with complex migrations or custom-built solutions. Airtel has demonstrated a strong commitment to our shared customers, and we look forward to continue working with them to bring innovative solutions to market.”

  • Samsonite forms strategic alliance with Panasonic to launch IOT Enabled Smart Luggage

    Samsonite forms strategic alliance with Panasonic to launch IOT Enabled Smart Luggage

    MUMBAI: Samsonite and Panasonic have entered into a strategic partnership to create a new generation travel suitcase that intelligently interacts with the consumer. The collaboration aims to empower the smart travelers of today by bringing in technology solutions for hassle-free travel. As part of the partnership, Samsonite’s new product EVOA Tech will also have the Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker that will enable customers to tag and track their luggage for a seamless experience.

    Seekit Samsonite Logo Unit Final V_CS4 3-01

    Leaders in their respective industries for over 100 years, both Samsonite and Panasonic have rich histories rooted in creating innovative products that focus on meeting the changing consumer needs. On a path to connect with tech-savvy travellers of today, the two companies merge their expertise to create a highly-anticipated synergetic output: Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic.

    Together, Samsonite and Panasonic aim to address the global consumer need for higher security while travelling with this revolutionary product. As Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic will be skilled in mitigating any luggage-related crisis through its ability to prompt, track, and raise an alarm if one misplaces their luggage, it not only minimizes one of the key pain points of the consumer, it also makes the experience of travel a smarter and much more pleasant one. The sleek Bluetooth tracker, SeekitTM, was developed at Panasonic’s Innovation centre in India.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite South Asia shared, “Samsonite is the global leader in superior travel bags & luggage combining notable style with the latest design technology with utmost attention to quality and durability. For more than 100 years, Samsonite has leveraged its rich design heritage to create unparalleled products.”  He further added, “The intent of the launch is to provide the consumers with a superior technology-enabled piece of luggage which is feature-packed and changes the way they look at travel. We have added some revolutionary features like a biometric locking system, an inbuilt weighing scale & a USB Port. For developing the Bluetooth tracking software, Panasonic was a natural choice. Adding Panasonic’s technology capabilities into Samsonite suitcases will provide consumers a smarter and more efficient way to travel. With its intelligent features and smart design, Panasonic SeekitTM, fits seamlessly into Samsonite’s designs – and more importantly – in the lives of the tech-savvy, on-the-go users.”

    Commenting on the partnership, President and CEO Panasonic India and South Asia, Mr. Manish Sharma, said, “We strongly believe that an association with key partners such as Samsonite not only gives us an opportunity to bring innovative technology offerings to a larger customer base but also expands our vision of connected ecosystem through our solutions-oriented approach. The IoT based solution was developed in-house at our Innovation centre in India, which works as an innovation hub central in developing technologically advanced and convenient solutions for our consumers across domestic and global markets.”

    Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic boasts of up to 14 different functions based on Bluetooth 5.0. Innovative features include the Separation Indicator so that consumers know when the luggage is around and get notified as soon as it is separated. With Bi-directional Tracking feature, not only does the SeekitTM help consumers find their luggage, but their phone too by just double pressing the button on the tracker. Proximity Guidance guides consumers towards their baggage whereas Find your luggage helps them identify their Samsonite luggage easily by tapping the buzz button on their app. The SeekitTM device also comes with a Selfie Button that allows users to click their best selfies while on travel. Moreover, by pressing the button on SeekitTM thrice, customers can send an SOS Alert to up to 3 contacts with their GPS location. Additionally, Panasonic is providing in-app language support in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean for better customer experience and adoption.

    The Samsonite EVOA Tech has additional features to its credit:

    · 3-in-1 Smart Lock (with TSA-approved fingerprint lock, 3-digit dial lock, and USB port): The fingerprint-activated function of the 3-in-1 Smart Lock allows consumers to swiftly open the luggage with the light touch of a recorded fingerprint. Consumers can record up to (and later switch out) 10 selected fingerprints within the device, allowing the suitcases to be borrowed or accessed by friends and family with ease

    · The EVOA Tech range also comes with an integrated weighing scale. Accurate and durable, the feature ensures travellers can always keep their luggage within the weight allowance, avoiding the displeasure of overweight fees in the airport. Integrated into the side carry handle, the user-friendly system promptly displays weight in kilograms. Customers can even reverse the display direction with a click of a button, making it easy to read the weight without straining a muscle

    · The product range also includes a USB port for the frequent traveller to charge their phones on the go. Besides, it will also include an anti-theft zipper & aero trac suspension wheels

    Evoa Tech, the new luggage range from Samsonite, will be powered by Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker to create a more seamless and stress-free travel experience.

    Samsonite EVOA Tech with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic is an innovative, stress-reducing smart feature set to impress the contemporary & tech savvy travellers around the globe. The slim & sleek design of the tracker fits easily into the inner compartment of the luggage & the brand DNA, making it the perfect travel partner.

    The product will be launched in phases in over 15 countries, namely Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East (selected countries), China, Indonesia, Australia and India.

  • DoT & TRAI officials feel satcom policy needs ‘fundamental rethink’

    DoT & TRAI officials feel satcom policy needs ‘fundamental rethink’

    NEW DELHI: Two top Indian government officials from Telecom Ministry and TRAI feel the country must have a "fundamental rethink" on satellite communication policy to meet rising connectivity needs that are being fuelled by mobile data growth, digital aspirations, demand from the country’s broadcasting sector and advent of new-age technologies.

    Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan on Wednesday outlined the massive growth in mobile data consumption, driven by first-time users, and India's increasing digital clout, and said there is "no looking back" for the country when it comes to strengthening its communications infrastructure.

    She said that in an era of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for communication infrastructure "far from slowing down, will increase exponentially".

    "We must have digital communications infrastructure that facilitates all this…We really must have a fundamental rethink on India's satcom policy in light of what are the emerging requirements and India's aspirations," Sundararajan said addressing the annual satcom summit 'India SatCom-2018' organised by Broadband India Forum (BIF), a PTI report stated.

    She further said that the demand for communication network is also being propelled by financial service industry, digital payment companies, smartphone usage and social media.

    Sundararajan noted that the draft national digital communications policy aims to provide universal broadband connectivity at 50Mbps to every citizen by 2022, create four million additional jobs, and also talks of enhancing the contribution of digital communications sector to eight per cent of India’s GDP from approximately 6 per cent now.

    "If we are to achieve robust modern digital communications infrastructure that the country needs…it has estimated the need for investment at USD 100 billion. Often, we in government are asked if that is a high figure, but I don't think so…I think this is realistic investment number in sync with our infrastructure requirements," PTI quoted her as saying.

    Stating that the country must embark on comprehensive review of its satellite communications policy, she stressed on the need to strike a balance between autonomy, security and the country's communications demand. "…it is possible to find a sweet spot between these three aspects. Other countries have done so, and I don't think it is impossible for India to strike a calibrated position keeping these three imperatives in mind…Keeping our strategic capabilities and requirements in mind, we need to look at how we can bridge the deficit in term of communication requirements," she pointed out.

    The summit also delved on various aspects of communications, including broadband connectivity to the remote parts of the country, satellite mobility, inflight connectivity, new technologies and innovations.

    Echoing sentiments similar to Sudararajan, telecom and broadcast regulator TRAI secretary SK Gupta, while addressing the valedictory session of the event, opined that “mainstreaming of satcom” issues was heartening.

    Pointing out that satellite transponder allocation process in India “needs a review” and the mechanism an “overhaul”, Gupta said that no regulatory hurdle should be created against use of any technology as satellite communication is very important for various applications and services.

    The one and half day satcom conference saw the convergence of not only ideas and trends, but also of representatives from the industry and government, including those from India’s space agency ISRO, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and BECIL.

  • LaLiga Football Schools launch in Kerala

    LaLiga Football Schools launch in Kerala

    MUMBAI: LaLiga, Spain’s top football league, recently launched the LaLiga Football Schools in India. It is a comprehensive grassroots football development programme in association with India On Track (IOT) that is being set up across cities in India. The programme in Kerala will be hosted at the local partner, CREORTS’ facilities and centres.

    LaLiga hopes the programme will be accessible to over 30 schools and 3000 pupils nationwide by the turn of this year.

    The training programme at LaLiga Football Schools will be delivered using LaLiga’s technical curriculum and detailed methodology and will be overseen by the programme technical director, Javier Cabrera, appointed by LaLiga for India.

    Former Villarreal midfielder and LaLiga Ambassador Robert Pires was on hand to launch the LaLiga Football Schools in New Delhi earlier this month.

    Jose Cachaza, Managing Director, LaLiga India said, “Kerala has been one of the frontrunners in the country when it comes to their love for football. It is with immense joy that we are launching the LaLiga Football Schools in Thrissur for young kids over here to pursue their dreams and play football the LaLiga way. We hope our programme help them to realise their potential and make their country proud at a global platform in this sport.”

    To kick-off the programme in Kerala, free workshops will be conducted by LaLiga at the Cooperation Stadium, Thrissur on the 27th & 28th of October.

    The LaLiga Football Schools programme is just one of the many methods the best league in the world has connected with the Indian fans in recent times.

    Another opportunity will come in the form of the El Clasico public viewing on October 28, at the East Bengal Ground, Maidan, Kolkata. The doors will open at 17:45 with plenty of pre-match activities taking place ahead of a 20:45 kick-off. LaLiga Ambassador and former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman will be present in Kolkata to enjoy the biggest club rivalry in the world with Indian fans.

  • Cabinet approves new telecom policy

    Cabinet approves new telecom policy

    MUMBAI: New telecom policy branded as the National Digital Communications Policy (http://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/telecom/new-telecom-policy-may-go-to-cabinet-in-2-weeks-dots-sundararajan-180905) (NDCP) 2018 finally got an approval from the cabinet. The new policy aims to attract USD 100 billion in investment and create 40 lakh jobs in the sector by 2022, PTI reported.

    Providing broadband access to all, creating 40 lakh new jobs, and increasing India’s ranking in the global ICT Index to 50th spot- these are some of the key objectives of NDCP 2018.
    “We also expect GDP contribution of the telecom sector, which has been around six per cent, to grow to 8 per cent… and expect USD 100 billion investment to come in,” communication minister Manoj Sinha said.
    As communication systems have been going through rapid change globally in areas like 5G, Internet of Things and Machine to Machine Communication, Sinha said a “consumer-centric and application-driven policy” was needed to be brought in.
    The new policy(http://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/telecom/comment-indias-ntp-2018-gets-digital-makeover-but-needs-complimentary-policies-180508) is focused on increasing high-speed broadband penetration, with use of modern technologies like 5G and optical fibres across the country at affordable rates.

  • Laliga football schools come to India

    Laliga football schools come to India

    MUMBAI: Spain’s top division football league, LaLiga has launched a comprehensive grassroots football development programme in India, LaLiga Football Schools, in partnership with India On Track (IOT). The historic move aims at developing the beautiful game at grassroots level in India, as the game is growing rapidly in the country.  The LaLiga Football Schools are going to be set up pan-India, including major centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Cochin, among others.

    The rigorous training programme at LaLiga Football Schools will be delivered using LaLiga’s technical curriculum and detailed methodology and will be overseen by the programme technical director appointed by LaLiga for India. It will be a holistic, comprehensive football development programme, with a focus on students within the age range of 6 to 18 years.

    India has shown its love and passion for the game repeatedly in the last few years, with Indian players giving standout performances at local, national and international platforms and the audiences watching and supporting the game expanding at an astounding rate. With India being one of the priority markets for LaLiga, this initiative is part of the several that have been undertaken to bring LaLiga closer to the passionate fan base here and inspire a change in the football environment.

    This announcement comes just days after LaLiga announced a three-year broadcast partnership with Facebook for the Indian subcontinent. The social media giant will show all 380 matches live and free, it will mean over 270 million people in India will have access to watch LaLiga each and every week. Select LaLiga matches will also be telecast on the sports channels of one of the India’s largest broadcasters, Sony Pictures Networks India giving the Indian football fan the most comprehensive viewing experience.

    Jose Cachaza, Head of LaLiga India said, “LaLiga is a strong propagator of developing young football talent. Seeing the kind of talent and passion Indians have for the beautiful game, we decided to collaborate with IOT and create a base to nurture the talent here. We are excited to see young boys and girls from India train with our best coaches and facilities and learn to play the LaLiga way.

    This move is a further sign of our commitment to India and follows off the back of our ground-breaking agreement with Facebook, which will see all 380 games shown live, and for free on the platform. We want to inspire the next generation of Indian football“

    Vivek Sethia, Founder, India On Track (IOT) said, “The future of any sport lies in the development of its grassroots. India On Track has always partnered with top sporting entities to provide the talented youth of India with the best possible training opportunities. Our partnership with LaLiga bears testament to that and LaLiga Football Schools is a continuation in that direction.”

  • Global OTT subs to cross 265 mn by ’22: Park Associates

    Global OTT subs to cross 265 mn by ’22: Park Associates

    MUMBAI: The number of households worldwide with an OTT video service subscription will exceed 265 million by 2022. The popularity of over-the-top (OTT) video services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu has driven a steady increase in adoption of smart TVs and streaming media players since 2010, according to `Global Connected Living Outlook: Expanding IoT Momentum’ by Park Associates’.

    “Fifty-three percent of the US broadband households own a smart TV, and both smart TVs and streaming media players are continually improving the user experience to accommodate the shifting habits of consumers, including integration with voice-based digital assistant ecosystems,” said Kristen Hanich, Parks Associates’ research analyst.

    “The rise of these digital assistants is another key trend over the last few years, with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and Samsung Bixby, among others, now on the market. Both smart home and connected entertainment developers are working to integrate this functionality into their products,” Hanich was quoted in an official statement put out by Park Associates.

    The `Global Connected Living Outlook: Expanding IoT Momentum’ provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the markets serving consumers’ connected lifestyle. The report identifies key trends and market developments in service categories, including broadband, television and video, digital content, residential security, home energy management, home support services, and connected health and wellness, as well as connected consumer product categories, including home networks, smart home devices, and connected consumer electronics.

    The report identifies key companies to watch in each product category and includes five-year forecasts for select product categories.

    The global study reveals that consumers now own an average of 8.6 connected CE products in their home, an 87 per cent growth in the average volume of devices since 2010. Some of the highlights of the report are the following:

    More than 70 per cent of the US broadband households have an internet-connected entertainment device.
    17 per cent own both a smart home device and an internet-connected entertainment device.
    Parks Associates estimates over 265 million households worldwide will have a total of more than 400 million OTT video service subscriptions by the end of 2022.

    “With IoT expansion comes added expectations of interoperability,” said Park Associates Research Quality & Product Development director Jennifer Kent, adding, “Consumers prioritize general device interoperability over staying within a specific brand ecosystem when considering a purchase; three-fourths of consumers find it important to consider any smart home product brand that will work with other products in their home and 49 per cent find this very important.”

    Also Read :

    Traditional pay TV under pressure from OTT services: Horowitz report 

    Regional OTT content more than just catch-up TV    

    OTT platforms discuss need for regulation

    Apple bags rights to novel ‘Shantaram’ for drama series