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iGear launches RazorBeat wireless soundbar with in-built subwoofer

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Homegrown gadgets and smartphone accessories brand iGear has launched RazorBeat, a wireless soundbar that can upscale the audio performance of your smart television. The RazorBeat features 10 watts of performance and can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker system for personal audio. Compact and rechargeable, the RazorBeat is also highly portable so you can take your music on the road.

Kamlesh Sharma, Founder, iGear, said, “The iGear RazorBeat can boost the audio performance of your smart television to a whole new level. It can produce razor-sharp sounds and superior bass, the soundbar brings you a theatre-like experience – thanks to the inbuilt subwoofer. Using Bluetooth v5.0 and an inbuilt-rechargeable battery, the RazorBeat is completely wireless and can also be used as a portable standalone personal audio system.”

Upgrade your existing televisions audio performance to the next level with iGear’s RazorBeat soundbar. This compact 10W RazorBeat soundbar is powerful enough and also features a built-in subwoofer for extra bass. It produces razor-sharp audio performance including superior bass and crisp highs that will completely transform the way you watched movies on your TV before.

With multiple inputs, the iGear RazorBeat can also be used as a personal Bluetooth speaker system. It features Bluetooth v5.0 and AUX input that can connect to your smartphones, tablets and laptops so that you can take advantage of its superior audio delivery. Use it for casual music, those quick YouTube videos or take your video calling experience to another level. You can also plug in a pen drive or micro SD card with your favourite MP3 playlist to have a completely standalone music system.

The iGear RazorBeat soundbar features TWS so you can fill your room with surround sound connecting two of the RazorBeat’s together and is also powered by an internal 1500mAh rechargeable battery so that you can take your music to the road whenever you like. Carry it along on your camping trips or short vacations and start an instant party wherever you like. The RazorBeatsoundbar can deliver up to 4 to 5 hours of non-stop music whenever you need it.

The all-new soundbar with in-built subwoofer will be available for Rs 2,000, with a standard industry warranty of 1 year, on Amazon and Flipkart

LG confirms shutting down its smartphone business

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One of the major and oldest players of the global smartphone industry, LG, is finally shutting down its mobile business division. The announcement has come after its board of directors approved the “strategic decision.”

Though this news doesn’t come as a surprise as multiple reports in the past have claimed that the South Korean company will be quitting the phone business.

In its official statement, LG said that stepping away from the mobile phone business will allow it to focus on other areas like electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence, and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services.

While it will not be manufacturing new phones, it will continue to provide support and software updates to existing customers for a certain “period of time” which will vary by region. To recollect, LG German confirmed last month that it will be releasing Android 11 OS update for phones like LG Velvet 4G, LG Velvet 5G, LG G8X, LG G8S, LG Wing, LG K52, and LG K42.

Existing phones will also continue to sell, but the company expects to completely wind down the mobile business by July 31. Until then, it will be working with suppliers and business partners for the closure of the mobile phone division. The South Korean company will be using its mobile expertise and mobile related technologies like 6G in other businesses, existing and future products.

The LG G5, which arrived as its first-ever modular smartphone back in 2016, and last year’s LG Wing with the rotatable display are some of the ambitious phones for which the brand will be remembered. The company was expected to launch the LG Rollable as the world’s first phone with a rollable screen, but it appears that it is unlikely to see a release.

Ambrane launches new range of Bluetooth Earphones, starting from Rs 1,299

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Ambrane, a mobile accessories brand, after announcing Ravindra Jadeja as its brand ambassador last month, plans an aggressive roadmap of products, with the launch of the range of wireless neckbands in India.

Designed for on-the-move musical freedom, the neckbands come with a comfortable design, high bass and long battery life. Starting from a nominal price of Rs.1, 299/-, the neckband offers 365 days of warranty to its users.

First, in the lineup, are Bassband pro priced at Rs 2,199, and Bassband Lite, priced at Rs 1,299. BassBand Pro features dynamic drivers for HD Sound experience and a long battery life of up to 6 hours. It also comes with a stylish and snug-fit design for comfort on the go use, and with the IPX5 Water Resistant feature, it boasts as the perfect workout partner. BassBand Lite, as the name suggests is the lighter version of the BassBand Pro. Engineered with immersive audio quality & high thumping bass, BassBand Lite enables you to enjoy a premium audio experience.

Bringing a wide choice to the customers, the neckband range further includes the Melody series.  Melody 20 and Melody 11 embody a dual stereo output, along with 10mm drivers that produce high-detail treble sound giving user the ‘music concert’ experience, at the tip of their fingers. Engineered with advanced technology, Melody 20 comes with a long battery life that supports upto 8 hours of playtime with only 2 hours of charging. While Melody 11 supports 6 hours of playtime. Both the neckbands Melody 20, priced at Rs 1,499 and Melody 11 priced at Rs 1,799 features a secure fit, light on collar design for everyday use.

Trendz 11, is the other sporty and classy neckband in the league of Ambrane neckbands. The neckband priced at Rs 1,999 features deep bass technology for an immersive music experience. It offers a long playback time of up to 6 hours with just a 1.5-hour charge making it an ideal companion for everyday hustle.

All the models of the neckband series are equipped with Smart Voice Assistant; Google Assistant and Siri for ensuring a total hands-free experience to the users. The durable and comfortable design ensures that earphones always stay in place while running, jogging or at the gym. Additionally, the neckbands feature tangle-free wear with its magnetic clasps that keep the earphone together when not in use.

Also, feature-packed neckbands are integrated with an in-built microphone for a crystal clear calling experience, with an easy switch between music and calls.

Apart from the brand’s website, you can get your hands on these products from Amazon and Flipkart too.

Paytm leads digital payments, achieves over 1.4 Billion transactions in March

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Paytm today announced that it has achieved over 1.4 billion monthly transactions in March, led by the massive growth in offline payments and financial services.

With over 20 million merchant partners on board, the company maintains the highest market share in offline payments and continues to register 15% M-o-M growth. It is the only platform in the country that promotes all digital payments services including Paytm Wallet, UPI, Paytm Postpaid, cards & net-banking. Paytm is aiming to enable 50 million merchants with IoT-based payment devices including All-in-One QR, All-in-One POS, Android Smart POS, and Soundbox over the next few years.

Paytm which is on a mission to empower businesses with digital payments & reconciliation services continues to lead with the highest market share in offline merchant payments with 15% M-o-M growth. It is aiming to equip 5 million businesses with Paytm Soundbox 2.0, Paytm All-in-One EDC devices as well as its newly launched innovative Paytm Smart POS for Android phones that transforms a smartphone into a device that accepts debit & credit card payments just like a normal card swiping machine.

The company empowers users with multiple services including Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm Payments Gateway, Paytm Payout, Paytm Money for democratizing wealth creation, Paytm Insurance, Paytm Postpaid, Paytm Credit Cards as well as utility bill payments, offline merchant payments, content & gaming services.

Narendra Yadav, Vice President Paytm said, “Paytm is the only company that provides the widest range of options to both merchants and customers which has helped us to achieve over 1.4 billion monthly transactions. Consumers can pay from Paytm wallet, UPI, Paytm postpaid, credit or debit cards, and bank accounts. Similarly, merchants can accept payments into their wallet or in any bank account. Paytm has the widest network of merchants in the country with over 20 million merchants partners. We want to serve all spectrum of merchants, from street vendors to large retailers as we continue our efforts to enable them with IoT-based digital payments services.”

BYJU’S to acquire Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) through a strategic merger

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BYJU’S, an ed-tech company today announced its strategic partnership with Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), a leader in test prep services.

This partnership brings together two of the largest and most-trusted education brands in India – combining Aakash’s pedagogy expertise in the test-prep segment with BYJU’S content and tech capabilities. After the integration, BYJU’S will make further investments to accelerate Aakash’s growth.

With over 33 years of experience, Aakash has built a highly effective learning ecosystem that has helped millions of young aspirants get into the country’s best institutions. In 2019, AESL partnered with Blackstone to create India’s largest digitally enabled, omni-channel test preparation company. Under the phenomenal leadership of Founder JC Chaudhry and Aakash Chaudhry, it will continue to function independently.

Byju Raveendran, Founder, and CEO, BYJU’S said, “I am happy to have Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), a market leader and the most trusted name in the test prep services, on board with us. Our complementary strengths will enable us to build capabilities, create engaging and personalised learning programs. The future of learning is hybrid and this union will bring together the best of offline and online learning, as we combine our expertise to create impactful experiences for students. The pandemic has brought the importance of the blended format of learning to the forefront. As we unite our forces to bring together decades of expertise and experience, this partnership will further accelerate Aakash’s growth and success.”

Aakash Chaudhry, Managing Director, AESL said, “At Aakash, we are looking to transform student experiences by steering innovative and digitally-enabled learning solutions. Together with BYJU’S, we will work towards building an omni-channel learning offering that will accelerate test-prep experience to the next level. While this partnership will enhance our operational verticals, Aakash will continue to operate as a separate entity with the same passion and commitment with which it’s Founder & Chairman Mr. J C Chaudhry incepted it. We are excited to partner with BYJU’S, and will strive to deliver long-term value to our students, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.”

The addition of Aakash is a significant step towards strengthening BYJU’S product offering. It reiterates the company’s focus on creating impactful learning products for students by adding more verticals, subjects, and languages to the same platform.

Amit Dixit, Co-Head of Asia Acquisitions and Head of India Private Equity at Blackstone said, “We invested in AESL because it is one of the leading education brands in India with a professional management team, best-in-class corporate governance and a 33-year track-record of exceptional results. We have always believed omni-channel will be the winning model in test prep and tutoring, and we look forward to being a part of the partnership between the two foremost companies in Indian supplementary education – Aakash and BYJU’S. The combination of Aakash and BYJU’S is highly synergistic and we are excited to help build India’s largest education company”

Poly celebrates shipping its 30 millionth IP phone

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Poly announced today that it has sold its 30 millionth IP phone, marking more than 20 years of advanced engineered voice devices trusted by those who are serious about quality audio and pro-grade communication.

The milestone comes amid rapid changes in the marketplace, as businesses transition from on-premise based phone systems to the cloud, and amidst a global pandemic that has exponentially accelerated the adoption and usage of cloud-based services. Poly voice solutions continue to help IT service providers and customers adapt to how and where people work with a full suite of IP desk phones, wireless phones, USB speakerphones, conference phones, analog telephone adapters (ATAs), and installed audio.

Poly’s voice solutions feature some of the industry’s leading technology in audio innovation, including smart multi-microphone arrays, HD Voice, Acoustic Fence, and NoiseBlock AI technologies.

Poly’s line of phones has consistently evolved over time, along with the way we choose to communicate at work. It all started with Polycom’s first-ever SoundStation conference phone, which can be found on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Poly’s iconic CCX Series is also the first business media phone of its kind to come with or without a handset, providing the option to be used with a headset or a speakerphone instead.

John Lamarque, Vice President and General Manager of the voice collaboration and professional headset business unit at Poly said, “Technology has changed drastically over time, but the need for high quality phone systems and the ability to connect are constant. Poly’s mission is to outfit any and every type of workspace with pro-grade audio technology and high-quality phones to meet your needs, wherever that may be, so you can focus on what matters most.”

For IT and business leaders, Poly voice solutions provide flexibility. Poly works with more than 60 platforms and service providers, including RingCentral, GoTo by LogMeIn, Vonage, Nextiva, Microsoft Teams, and 8×8, so IT and business leaders have the freedom to pick their partner of choice. Poly management solutions make deployments easy and help remotely troubleshoot an issue to its root cause, without requiring IT to travel beyond the cloud.

Poly is a long-time trusted provider of versatile phone solutions for a wide range of customers, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations. Now more than ever, as organizations seek to solve the challenges of a hybrid workforce, Poly is leading the way with its innovative pro-grade phone solutions.

Poly’s latest phones are designed so you can lead the conversation wherever you are:

Office Solutions – Paying homage to the original SoundStation conference phone, Poly has reimagined conference rooms around the world with the Trio C60, a smart conference phone that features expansion microphones for brilliant audio in large and open spaces. The Trio C60 easily pairs with Poly videoconferencing solutions and makes it easy to launch and join meetings, and also features Alexa for Business so you can join a meeting touch-free. Another device that’s simple to set up and easy to use in the office is the VVX Series, IP desk phones that are compatible with almost any platform. The VVX Series features Acoustic Fence technology and blocks out unwanted background noise, so you can sound your best on every call.

Flexible Work Solutions – For those working from home, on the road or returning to the office, the Poly Sync Family of smart speakerphones are USB and Bluetooth enabled devices. These smart speakerphones can be voice activated to join a meeting and are Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified.

Mobile Premier League to continue as long-term principal sponsor with KKR

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mobile Premier League (MPL), India’s largest esports and skill gaming platform, announced today that MPL has come on board as the principal sponsor for KKR on a three-year sponsorship deal.

MPL and KKR have forged a strong partnership that brings together the proficiencies the two brands have in the field of sports, e-sports, and entertainment.

The association with MPL commenced last year in 2020 as they bagged the principal sponsorships for both the franchises of the Knight Riders brand, that included KKR and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) respectively.

Taking the relationship forward, the three-year sponsorship deal begins this year with the 14th edition of IPL 2021 and will go on till the year 2023. KKR and MPL will look to create greater fan engagement opportunities and unique experiences that bring the game closer to the audiences.

Venky Mysore, CEO and MD, of KKR said, “We started our partnership with MPL as principal sponsors for both KKR and TKR in 2020 and are delighted that they will continue as long term principal sponsors for KKR. MPL is a vibrant e-sports company which has grown rapidly through some amazing energy and innovation. It’s been a great journey for KKR with MPL and we look forward to deepening and broadening our relationship.”

Sai Srinivas, Co-founder and CEO, MPL, said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with the Knight Riders. Last year’s beginning was very fruitful for the brands and we organised some great fan engagement activities together, which we will take forward this year and in the subsequent editions of the IPL. KKR is one of the most watched teams in the IPL and being on the front of their jersey adds a lot of salience and visibility to our brand.”

The 14th edition of Indian Premier League will begin on April 9, 2021. The two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play against the other 8 teams in 14 matches. KKR will play their first match for IPL 2021 on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

BYJU’S launches Social Studies Learning Programs

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BYJU’S, India’s largest ed-tech company and creator of India’s most loved K-12 app, announced the introduction of Social Studies as a part of its learning program. In addition to Math and Science, the app will now offer in-depth, visually rich and engaging programs in History, Civics, and Geography for school children.

Considered as a ‘vast’ subject with diverse topics and components, students often find it difficult to understand and comprehend concepts across History, Civics and Geography. This new Social Studies program from BYJU’S breaks down the theories through role play, visualisation, and gamified content thereby offering students an immersive learning experience. Teachers in the video interact with 3D images and animation to create an enriching learning experience for students. For example, formation of the Himalayas has been explained in detail by showcasing the movement and collision between the Indo Australian and Eurasian plates due to external forces with the help of full screen animation and 3D images.

Vinay M.R., Chief Content Officer, BYJU’S, said, “We are excited to announce the launch of our new subject offering – Social Studies. Students often consider this subject as ‘heavy’ or ‘tough’ since it’s mostly learnt theoretically. Our teachers and team of subject matter experts, backed by strong R&D and technology has designed this program that simplifies History, Civics, and Geography concepts through visuals, real-life examples and storytelling in an engaging way.”

Students can access this new subject for free by downloading the BYJU’S Learning App from Playstore or Appstore.

The pandemic brought online learning to the forefront. An inflection point for the ed-tech industry, in the last 10-11 months 45 million new students have started learning from BYJU’S for free. During this period, BYJU’S fast-tracked the launch of multiple products (learning programs in regional languages and BYJU’S classes) to help students continue with their learning seamlessly. With 80 million students on the app and 5.5 million paid subscriptions, BYJU’S is continuously working toward creating engaging and effective learning programs for students.

Redmi Note 10 series crosses sales worth Rs 500 Cr within first two weeks

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Mi India today announced that Redmi Note 10 series recorded sales worth Rs 500 crore, within the first two weeks of sale across all platforms. With best in class specifications, Redmi Note 10, Redmi Note 10 Pro and  Redmi Note 10 Pro Max went on sale on March 16, 17 and 18 respectively, across all platforms.

Sneha Tainwala, Business Head, Redmi India, said, “With each Redmi Note device, we have taken a step forward to bring innovation for everyone. As a result the Note Series continues to be a bonafide choice in the mid-premium segment, for the Indian consumer. We launched our 10th generation of Redmi Note series with an aim to bring a revolutionary change in the segment by taking every important piece of technology.”

“With the launch of these devices, we have taken a quantum leap across all important aspects such as camera, display, and performance making this by far the most revolutionary and most demanded smartphones in the country. We are overwhelmed with the response we have received from our Mi fans within the first fifteen days of sale and would like to take this opportunity to thank our Mi Fans for the love they have showered on us. We hope to continue and deliver on our commitment of bringing high-end technologies at affordable price-points,” Tainwala added.

Known for bringing the latest and best camera technologies within reach of all consumers, Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 can be purchased on April 1 at 12 noon, across all platforms.

MapmyIndia to help strengthen incubation, innovation at BITS Pilani

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Rakesh Verma, India’s original digital map data product maker and the founder of MapmyIndia, a Make in India, deep-tech company which specializes in maps, navigation, tracking, analytics, GIS, GPS, IoT and location technologies, has pledged Rs 1 crore towards strengthening the incubation and innovation ecosystem at BITS Pilani.

Well-known for its students and alumni startups, 17 of BITS alumni-led startups have raised $700 million in past few months. MapmyIndia will further support promising student entrepreneurs by mentoring and advisory, workspace, seed/angel funding and incubation to help accelerate their ideas.

“I am indebted to BITS Pilani, a generous giver, my almamater has played a key role in shaping me personally and professionally. And it gives me great pleasure to be part of this unique initiative – BITS Pilani Incubation and Innovation Centre (BPIInC). In this pandemic hit scenario, we will churn out job creators rather than seekers – a class of professionally Aatmanirbhar students via mentorship, guidance, funding and incubation. BPIInC will be a legacy builder, one that will have a lasting impact on the future genrations of the bright and talented alumni that will walk through the hallowed precincts of this great institution,” said Rakesh Verma, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, MapmyIndia, a BITS alumnus, class of 1972.

Prof Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “What MapmyIndia did in 1990s, despite a lack of support system really inspires us at BITS – it’s our commitment and ambition to support innovators on the campus with the resources they would need to be successful. With Rakesh’s pledge, we are moving a step closer to our intended goals.”

This initiative comes close on the heels of the recent path-breaking partnership between MapmyIndia and ISRO to create India’s indigenously-developed most advanced geospatial services, as a shining example of public-private partnership to enable Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the Government of India’s historic announcement of the opening up of geospatial industry to bring the benefits of geospatial to the entire economy and society. MapmyIndia is quickly making moves to leverage them advantageously by speeding up innovation and increasing the output of the Indian geospatial sector.

Prof Arya Kumar, Dean, Alumni Relations, said, “BITSian entrepreneurs and the alumni network has been widely acknowledged as one of the most helpful innovation networks, with support available to anyone with a viable idea. Rakesh Verma has been a long-standing contributor to this network, and his collaboration with the incubation efforts at BITS will help scale outcomes to newer heights.”

The funds from MapmyIndia will be used for augmenting the upcoming Incubation and Innovation Centre at the Pilani Campus being built at the cost of Rs 15 crore – a 20,000 sq. ft. space for innovation labs and co-working spaces for enabling students and faculty with their ideas to change the world.