Mobility Issue june

Mobility Monthly Magazine

June 2015

Issue 06

Volume 11

Pages 52

20

www.mobilityindia.com

beyond technology, beyond lifestyle

ARE WE AUDIBLE

dIGITAl SIGNAGE X:

hTC oNE M9:

REVIEW NIkoN d4S

CoMPuTEX 2015 d&i AwARd wINNERS

CoNTENTS

4

ARE WE AUDIBLE Cover Story

32

NEwS lAuNChPAd TElE NEwS TElE TAlk Q&A

8 12 14 16 18

ANAlySIS

20

PERSoNAlITy

22

ChANNEl foCuS

24

MAdE IN INdIA

26

REVIEw

28

CoNSuMER AlERT

31

CoVER SToRy

32

Redg.off.: 38-B / 56 Block, C. R. Park, New Delhi-110019 (India).

CoMPuTEX

36

Branch Office: Mumbai: E-mail: roy@ mobilityindia.com

TEChNoloGy & INNoVATIoN

42

Kolkata: 105/12B, Dum Dum Road, Sil Colony, Kolkata-74 Contact: 09330922965; 09903392620 E-mail : roy@ mobilityindia.com

TRENd SETTER

44

AdVERToRIAl

47

fEATuREd

48

Mobility Monthly News Paper, Printed, Published & owned by Swapan Roy at 38-B / 56 Block, C. R. Park, New Delhi-110019 (India).

APPS

50

VIEwPoINT

51

Printed at Pushpak Printer, C-96, okhla Industrial Area-I, New Delhi-20. Retail selling price of a magazine copy Rs. 20/-. Annual subscription Rs. 240.

REVIEwS

APP PERSoNAlITy

Mr. Gautam Paul, Assistant Director, CSP Group Canon India Airline passengers happiest when using technology Mr. Ashish Mutneja, Director, Quantum Hi Tech Merchandising Pvt. Ltd. “Delta’s strengths are product availability, competitive pricing and best after-sales-service” CELKoN Leads The ‘Make In India’ March Nikon D4S the unstoppable: Perfect for Fulltime Pro SWIPE KoNNECT ME Low at cost, high on security Take care of the air you breathe Are we audible?

Computex 2015 d&i award winners Smart wound healing through Android app: IIT Kharagpur blends medical science with mobile technology MINI PC Market is a new trend in IT space Celkon is set to establish itself as a premium brand in Haryana Video surveillance systems under attack: How hackers could modify video feeds in misconfigured city CCTV systems Some cool photo apps to help you get the job done right all the time ProDot launches special Incentive program for partners Never run out of battery charge “We provide localized gaming content which is a big hit among India gamers”

Editor Chief Editor Associate Editor (Tech,) Asst. Editor Art Director Creative Head Acct. & Finance Marketing Manager Marketing Executives

: : : : : : : : :

Circulation Manager Production

: :

System Manager

:

Swapan Roy Manoj Jha Jayanta Ghosh E.J. Jawahardatham Anit Kumar Karmendra Singh Negi Sandip Sarkar Tridip Dey Sujit Goswami, Pratap Biswas S. Dutt Raj Kumar P. Biswas Ashish Ghosh Ashok Kumar Paul Ajay Biswas

H.O.: Delhi / Editorial Office Roy Mediative A-23, 1st Floor, okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi-110020 (INDIA) Mob: 09810380882, 09811346846 Ph: 91-11-41602841, 65683896, 40536384-87

orissa: Krushna Nagar, 5th Lane, Lalji Palli, Berhampur-760008 (orissa) (India) Contact : Raj Kumar-09338410809 Email : info@mobilityindia.com ncn_reporter@yahoo.com

Editor

:

52

Marketing

:

54

Info Subscribe

: :

edit@mobilityindia.com roy@ mobilityindia.com tridip@mobilityindia.com marketing@mobilityindia.com info@mobilityindia.com subscription@ mobilityindia.com

www.mobilityindia.com

Mobility June 2015

Mobility June 2015

6

Editorial

Indian Audio Visual (AV) Market on The Roll Editor’S Choice

I

Holographic computing is the next big thing. Microsoft HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. It enables high-definition holograms to come to life in your world, seamlessly integrating with your physical places, spaces and things. We call this experience mixed reality. Holograms mixed with your real world will unlock all-new ways to create, communicate, work and play.

Mobility June 2015

ndia is now considered the world’s fastest growing market for audio visual (AV) equipment, expected to grow at a

compounded annual rate of 25%, much higher than the average industry’s growth rate. Today, the Indian AV market is definitely the key focus for several international and national brands.

Today consumers are looking for versatile products to meet their requirement for quality output, more channels, aesthetic designs and compact size, all at affordable prices.

We interacted with three industry leaders in audio segment to take their views on the AV market in India. We got some exciting feedback from them as featured in ‘ARE WE AUDIBLE?’ In general, the industry seems to be recovering from the slowdown that plagued the economy for last few years. Let us look forward to brighter days ahead.

Swapan Roy roymobility@gmail.com

Mobility June 2015

News

8

Viewership of Regional Mobile Creative Peripherals Appointed Video Content Rising in India: Vuclip National Distributor by TOTOLINK

V

uclip, the mobile video on demand (VOD) service, has released its Global Video Insights (GVI) from a survey it conducted. The survey responses reveal a growing propensity among mobile video consumers to view and navigate videos in their native languages on a single over-the-top (OTT) mobile app that also enables them to consume international content at length.

Though movies and television shows account for around 80% of the international content consumed on the Vuclip platform, 78% of Vuclip viewers in India have shown preference to watching content in their native language. Hindi videos constitute over 40% of viewership traffic in India. Videos in languages such as Tamil (8%), Telugu (6%), Bengali (4%) and Marathi (4%) are also seeing increased traction.

Commenting on the survey insights, Arun Prakash, COO, Vuclip, said, “The insights validate the importance of creating a strong video library backed by a gamut of regional languages content would play a key role in broadening the subscriber base of VOD players.”

C

reative Peripherals, an Indian distributor in IT, imaging, telecom and lifestyle products, has been appointed as national distributor by TOTOLINK, Korean brand for wireless networking devices. TOTOLINK is entering the Indian market with this tie-up and gaining Indian consumer traction with their wide range of Wireless Routers, Range Extenders, Adapters and Switches.

The distribution will be primarily focused on TierII & Tier- III cities. Creative peripherals is supporting TOTOLINK by introducing region-specific schemes and promotions.

Mr Ketan Patel, CEO, Creative Peripherals said, “TOTOLINK’s wireless routers are network devices which seamlessly link laptops, smart phones, tablet PCs, IPTV and other Wi-Fi devices with advanced speed and technology.”

David Zeng, Overseas Department at TOTOLINK, said, “We are ready to enter India and move ahead with Creative Peripherals. We are confident that our range of products will have wide acceptance with the strong network of Creative Peripherals.”

WPG, Microsoft and Intel Launch NuPC, a Compact Desktop PC

W

PG, Microsoft India and Intel India, launched NuPC, one of the smallest form factor PCs that combines affordability with infinite customization, in a variety of configurations powered by the Intel Core i3 processor or the Intel Celeron processor. The NuPC is an energy efficient, fully functional PC that not only fulfills the performance needs of the consumers but also fits into the palm of your hand. The sheer power of Intel NUC combined with Microsoft Windows 8.1 makes it an ideal PC platform for modern day business applications and consumer needs. The NuPC takes up a roughly 4×4-inch footprint on a desk (117x112mm and 35mm thick), and manages to pack a great configuration, allowing it to be used effectively for everyday office tasks and multimedia. The launch of the NuPC marks an important milestone in working towards the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. Both of the variants are also armed with Windows 8.1 and bing. The configurations and variants come priced at:

• For Intel Core i3 processor – 2GB memory 500 GB storage at Rs. 29,999.00 and 4GB memory 1 terabyte at Rs. 32,999.00 • For Intel Celeron processor – 2GB memory 500 GB storage at Rs. 18,999.00 and 4GB memory 1 terabyte at Rs. 21,999.00

Eka Named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape

E

ka Software Solutions, the global provider of Smart Commodity Management software solutions, announced that it has been named a ‘Major Player’ in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) 2015 Software Vendor Assessment (doc #EI255242, April 2015). This report recognizes Eka’s product development efforts and identifies strengths of Eka’s InSight CM platform. Of particular note is Eka’s in-memory technology that enables intraday visibility of P&L.

Mobility June 2015

“With the acquisition of Encompass Technology, based in Calgary, Canada, in 2013, Eka entered energy trading with Encompass’ mature natural gas and power and nascent oil offerings,” said Jill Feblowitz, VP at IDC Energy Insights.

Eka’s energy solutions manage financial derivatives and physical contracts for crude and refined products, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGL), liquefied natural gas (LNG), power, coal and biofuels.

“It’s become clear when new prospects are evaluating ETRM software solutions that they are tired of the same old solutions from the same old vendors,” said Michael Schwartz, Executive VP & CMO at Eka.

News

10

Twitter Brings Periscope to Android

T

witter brings a promising live-streaming App Periscope for Android 4.4 Kitkat and higher version devices. This App is the most convenient way to share and experience live video from smartphones.

Few days after it was launched for iOS, Periscope is now available at Google Play Store and on the web too. The completely satisfying broadcasting experience has made it reach more than 1 million users in the first few days. It has already gained popularity among the celebrities and media personalities.

Once Periscope App is opened, what is seen is a list of current and recent broadcasts from the people who are following. When it is first opened, Periscope suggests if the user wishes to follow everyone he/she is following on Twitter. If nothing current is happening, the user can swipe right to the next screen, which shows broadcasts happening around the globe. The third screen shows the popular users of the app, judged by the number of people who have sent them by tapping on the screen.

OPPO Plans to set up Handset Assembly Unit in India

O

PPO, a global technology brand with presence in North America, Europe and Asia, announced its plans to setup its ownbrand handsets manufacturing unit in India by August focusing on the domestic market.

According to Sky Li, Vice President, OPPO, “India is the top priority in our expansion plans in South Asia this year. We have received tremendous support and appreciation from the customers and it is now time to reciprocate the feeling.”

OPPO India has sold around 400, 000 devices in India and are targeting for 1.5 million units this year (2015). OPPO India has plans to expand more service centers this year. As of now, they have 120 service centers across India and are targeting to open 200 service centres by end of 2015.

ICICI Bank Introduces Voice Recognition for Biometric Authentication

I

CICI Bank, India’s private sector bank, announced the launch of voice recognition service which authenticates customers based on their speech patterns and allows them to execute banking transactions through the bank’s call centre in a quick, secure and convenient manner.

Chanda Kochhar, MD & CEO, ICICI Bank, said, “We have noticed that the customers, especially those who use smartphones, find it difficult to enter the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN with accuracy and at a reasonable speed.

We wanted to offer them a secure and hands-free alternative to the traditional on-screen commands on smartphones. The voice recognition service has the potential to increase security and convenience.”

The voice recognition technology works on voice prints, which are unique to an individual. It comprises more than

100 characteristics including voice modulation, speed, accent, pronunciation which are impossible to imitate, thereby enhancing security.

NNG Raises Focus on Chennai Automotive Industry

C

hennai, often called ‘The Detroit of India,’ is now amongst the top ten global automotive manufacturing centres. Data by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed that Tamil Nadu was the largest contributor to the sector in terms of industrial output. As a state, Tamil Nadu has about 20% of India’s total installed capacity of vehicle production and accounts for 21% of India’s automobile exports. To match production with demand, many automakers over the last few months have started

Mobility June 2015

to invest heavily in various segments in the industry. According to data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), the industry has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$ 12,232.06 million between April 2000 and February 2015.

Péter Bolesza, Vice President of Eastern Europe and Emerging Markets at NNG said, “With our single-engine technology, we are way ahead of our competitors in terms of development time and costs – two major factors that OEMs have to account for when planning the development of infotainment systems.”

12 12

lAuNChPAd

XPERIA M4 Aqua

Nubia Z9 mini

Driving on its strategy to focus on offering midrange devices, Sony India unveiled Xperia M4 Aqua – a smartphone highlighting Sony’s leadership in camera, design, battery and performance to an accessible price point. This unique daevice is waterproof and protects against water as well as fine dust particles.

Key specifications of ZTE Nubia Z9 Mini: 5.0-inch full HD (1920x1080p) screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 shield; 441 ppi; Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with Nubia 2.8 UI; 64-bit class Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 series octa-core CPU; Adreno 405 graphics engine; 2GB RAM; 16GB, expandable up to 128GB. Main: 16.0-megapixel camera with LED flash, Sony IMX234 Exmor RS sensor, f/2.0 aperture, full HD video recording ability, Blue Glass filter Front: 8.0-megapixel camera with f/2.4 aperture, 80-degree wide-angle picture capture feature; 2900 mAh 3G/ 4G-LTE; Dual-SIM slots (Nano + Nano); 141.30 x 69.8 x 8.2147 g

Xperia M4 Aqua, Sony’s first octa-core 64-bit smartphone, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with integrated 4G LTE connectivity and up to two-day battery life, will be available at Sony Centers, Sony Smartphone Lounges and all major electronic stores across India at Rs. 24,990.

PRICE: Rs. 16,999/-

MICRoMAX’S YU Yuphoria Features and Specifications of Yu Yuphoria Processor: 64-bit, 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410; GPu: Adreno 306; operating System: Android 5.0 Lollipop based Cyaonogen oS 12; display: 5-inch TFT IPS (1280×720 pixels, 294ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3); RAM: 2GB; RoM: 16GB Rear Camera: 8 mega pixel with LED flash and f/2.2 aperture; front Camera: 5 mega pixel with f/2.0 aperture, 4P lens; Connectivity: Dual-SIM, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0; battery: 2230 mAh; Thickness: 8.25 mm; weight: 143 grams; Color options: Champagne Gold with White and Buffed Steel with Black PRICE: Rs. 6999/-

INTEX Aqua 3G Pro and Aqua 3G Affordable Dual-SIM Smartphones Launched Two new Intex smartphones, the Aqua 3G Pro and Aqua 3G strong, were launched in India priced at Rs. 3666 and Rs. 3333 and both the smartphones share some common specifications. These Android 4.4.2 KitKat-based smartphones come with dual-SIM support and feature 4-inch WVGA (480×800 pixels) displays, as per reports. Both are powered by 1 GHz single-core Spreadtrum (SC7715) processor and pack a 1400 mAh battery.

There are a few differences, however, such as the Aqua 3G pro features 512MB of RAM and comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage while the Aqua 3G Strong includes 256MB of RAM and 512MB of inbuilt storage.

Mobility June 2015

GENIUS Introduces new wireless optical mouse: The NS-6000 Genius launched its new wireless optical mouse: the NS-6000. With its contoured shape design, the mouse is suitable for both hands. Featuring a 2.4 GHz wireless technology, the mouse provides anti-interference with your Wi-Fi environment. A 1000 dpi optical sensor provides smooth and great cursor control for browsing the web and documents. The pico receiver conveniently snaps into the USB port for easy transport and storage.

The NS-6000 comes with a single AA alkaline battery with a power saving switch.

Priced at Rs. 575 (MSRP), the Genius NS-2000 wireless optical mouse is available at over 10,000 plus retail outlets and all leading e-tailing sites including Flipkart, Snapdeal, Amazon and E-bay among others.

lAuNChPAd

Wiio WI3 Snapdeal.com announced an exclusive partnership with Wiio, a smartphone manufacturer promoted by Fortune Infovision Pvt. Ltd. Under this exclusive partnership, Snapdeal launched the stylish and powerpacked Wiio WI3 smartphone, aiming to deliver the latest technology at an affordable price to the Indian user. wiio wi3 features: 1.3 GHz Quad core Mediatek (MT6582 (ARM Cortex- A7)); MP Rear Camera (Sony Chipset) Auto focus with Flash; 2MP Front Camera; 5 inch IPS QHD (960×540); Pixel Density: 240 ppi; Android Kitkat v4.4.2; 1GB RAM / 8GB RoM 4000 mAh Power Battery; Dual SIM (Normal + Micro); Gesture Function; Wiio Service Centre Availability: (450+ Service Point) Across India; PRICE: INR 7499/-

13

RICoH India’s New Age, State-of-The-Art Projector Series Ricoh’s new age projector models – TS 100, RX 300 and PJ X 4340 are a new advancement in the projection category which allow bright and rich visuals, further enabling users to operate the device from multiple networks. The three new projectors come with high-class features of wireless and network connectivity. TS 100 provides eco mode and illuminates crystal clear imaging, RX 300 (Entry level Short Throw Projector) is a bestin-class product weighing less than 2.8 kgs and PJ X 4340, PJ X4241N and PJ WX4241N are short throw projection systems which prevent shadow formation on the board and allow free movement, essentially turning the projection system into a whiteboard.

Ricoh’s Ultra Short Throw projectors are the only ‘Vertical’ projectors that do not use an external mirror as many UST projectors do.

PHICoMM’s Passion 660 PHICoMM, Chinese provider of telecommunication equipment, terminals and services launched its flagship LTE Android smartphone – PHICOMM Passion 660, in India.

1920x1080 resolution Corning Gorilla Glass 5-inch screen 1.5 GHz octa-core 64-bit capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB RAM 16GB of inbuilt storage which is expandable by another 64GB via micro-SD The dual-SIM device runs Android KitKat and comes with global 4G roaming support 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front 2300 mAh battery.

HP Announced omen with Bang & olufsen

TP-LINK Launches NC200 Cloud Camera with 300Mbps Wi-Fi

HP and Bang & olufsen announced a collaboration that brings the globally recognized sound of Bang & olufsen and B&o PLAY to HP’s new devices.

The HP omen Gaming notebook with Bang & olufsen outfitted the Omen with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4 GB gaming graphics and an Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor, along with a 1920 x 1080 Full high definition (HD) display).

The HP omen with Bang & olufsen is available in the Indian markets currently at a price of INR 1 59,990/-. The HP Pavilion 15 Notebook with B&o play is available with a starting price INR 44,490/-.

TP-LINK announced the NC200 Cloud Camera, supporting speeds of up to 300Mbps Wi-Fi. The whole setup and control process follows a three-step policy of Connect – Register – View to put the camera to full use either through their tplinkcloud.com portal or tpCamera App. tpCamera App: The tpCamera App, developed by TP-LINK, is available for both ioS and Android mobile devices and represents an effective user-friendly way to take control of your NC200 Cloud Camera remotely.

Motion Detection: This can be set up to send immediate notifications via email or FTP whenever motion is detected that allow users to remain aware of the situation, while keeping their property safe and secure.

300Mbps Wireless and Wi-Fi Extender: This helps to increase the range of your current wireless network.

MobilityJune June2015 2015 Mobility

TELE NEWS

14

Huawei upgrades its Power- Fi data card with inbuilt Wi-Fi range extender

H

uawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider global leader in datacards, introduced a new feature- In-built Wi-Fi range extender to its existing range of Power-Fi 3G datacard category.

Wi-Fi range extender will act like a Wi-Fi signal booster which can pick up the Wi-Fi signal from user homer router and boost it to provide better connectivity in areas which have very poor signal.

This new feature will be available on the Power-fi data cards- E 8221 and E8231.

Launched last year, Power-Fi E8221 and E8231, are multipurpose data card that can take power from laptop, car charger or power mains and provide internet connectivity to 10 devices at a time. You can use it with equal ease at home, office and while on the move and enjoy flawless performance in all the environments. Just by plugging this device into any USB port power source, this data card’s inbuilt Wi-Fi hardware allows you to use

Sanjiva jha to head Tata Docomo’s Andhra Pradesh and Telangana operations

the Power-Fi as a Wi-Fi hotspot. They are designed to suit the needs of Indian consumers for high-speed data consumption across multiple devices. Connecting with 10 Wi-Fi devices simultaneously, both the devices enable users to share internet with friends and family with a single device on the go.

Power-fi is one of the most convenient method to save money by sharing internet and with this new feature, you can further save up to Rs 2000 or more, which one may spend on purchasing a separate WiFi extender.

Unveiling this new feature, P. Sanjeev, Director -Sales(Devices Business) at Huawei India said “Huawei is a leader in the data card market which is a proof of our commitment towards providing our customers with superior innovations, enabling high speed connectivity.

Today, there has been a phenomenal rise in the consumption of multimedia content on the web which needs high speed internet connectivity. Through this feature, users will be able to enhance their Wi-Fi signals and do much more on the Internet.

uTStarcom Strengthens its Partnership with bSNl in Indian Market

U

T

ata Docomo, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Limited, announced the appointment of Mr. Sanjiva Jha as Mobility Business Unit (MBU) Head – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Circle.

As the MBU Head, Sanjiva will be responsible for overseeing company’s operations and business in the highly competitive Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets. He has been associated with Tata Docomo for over five years now, where he served multiple roles.

In his new role, Sanjiva would be instrumental in driving growth for these markets, backed by his wide experience of working in the telecom industry.

An alumnus of IRMA, Sanjiva comes with a rich experience of 22 years spread across FMCG, Retail, oTC and Telecom and has handled large diverse categories of products from Dairy, Confectionary, Processed foods to oTC medicines.

Mobility June 2015

TStarcom announced that the company has been awarded a significant three year contract extension to support a major network enhancement for the largest national wireline carrier in India, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL). This reinforces the strength of UTStarcom’s advanced efficient and reliable broadband infrastructure solutions.

This is an extension order for maintenance of BSNL broadband services with UTStarcom supplied products including B1000 IPDSLAM, RPR, EMS, LAN switches, BNGs, and various applications like AAA, SSSC and SSSS. UTStarcom will supply and maintain BSNL Multiplay, the broadband triple play network for the next three years till 2018.

“We are delighted to build on the success of our partnership with BSNL, and we are excited to play a key role in an effort to support the rollout of its “Multiplay” broadband Internet service, by offering our robust portfolio of advanced yet affordable telecom infrastructure solutions.,” said William Wong, UTStarcom’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are dedicated to serve our customers by providing affordable and innovative telecom services.” said Mr. N.K.Gupta, Board Director (Consumer Fixed and Mobility) of BSNL. This is the latest project for UTStarcom in India, a market where it already holds about 35% share for broadband Internet network equipment.

tele news

MTS India Brings Down Voice Tariffs and Offers Exciting Benefits

S

istema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL) that provides telecom services under the brand MTS announced a series of exciting voice and data offers for its customers in Kerala circle on the occasion of Vishu. MTS India has brought down the voice tariff to just 25 paise to add to festivities of Vishu for its customers in Kerala. The offers have been especially designed to give the customers one more reason to celebrate in the festive season.

Under the Vishu offer, MTS will provide a coloured handset with FM Radio, MP3 and Torch at just Rs 999.

Adding to the festivities, the company will offer its new prepaid voice customers the freedom to make calls and SMS all over India at just 25 paise. In addition, the customers will be charged just 25 paise for every MB of

data consumed. Data customers of Kerala circle of MTS India would also get to avail exciting benefits under the Vishu offer. While prepaid data customers will get additional 5 GB of data for Whatsapp and Viber, postpaid data customers will get a discount of Rs 100 in their the monthly bill for a year if they opt for Rs 875 plan.

According to Radhakrishnan KV, Chief Operating Officer, Kerala – MTS India, “Festivals are a time when people connect with their friends and family. We at MTS India always come up exciting offers for our customers during such auspicious occasions to add to their celebrations. On the occasion of Vishu, we have introduced a range of exciting propositions for our voice and data customers in the circle. I strongly believe that all the new festive offers will find a special appeal amongst our customers.”

Vodafone Invests INR 1050 Crores to Stregthen Its Network Presence in Maharashtra and Goa

F

ollowing a ‘Customer First’ approach, Vodafone India has invested over INR 1050 crores on ramping up network and distribution and retail presence in Maharashtra and Goa circle over the past 12 months (April 2014-March 2015). Being one of the preferred mobile services providers in terms of Subscriber base, Revenue Market Share and Retail touch points; Vodafone has been focusing on closer engagement and enhancing customer experience in an endeavour to be future ready.

Pursuing an accelerated growth strategy since April 2014, Vodafone has expanded its network footprint by adding over 3000 new 3G and 2G sites across Maharashtra in the last financial year. During this period, Vodafone has increased its exclusive retail footprint by rolling out 17 Vodafone Stores and 200 Vodafone Mini Stores.

With this ramp up, Vodafone has further strengthen edits position in Maharashtra and Goa across relevant industry parameters – network coverage, subscriber base, retail footprint and revenue market share (RMS).

Ashish Chandra, Business Head – Maharashtra and Goa, Vodafone India, said, “Gaining the trust of our customers and winning the distinction of being one of the most preferred mobile services provider in Maharashtra and Goa circle is not incidental. We have won the hearts of our customers by pursuing a continued and consistent customer centric strategy to bring the best connectivity solutions to our valued customers. It is their trust and support that has enabled us to further strengthen our position in Maharashtra and Goa across key parameters – Network, Subscriber base, Retail footprint and Revenue Market Share. We remain committed to continue investing in bringing the best in class, innovative, relevant products and services to win customer delight in the years to come.”

Having set up one of the largest networks in the circle,

Vodafone now has 5000+ 3G sites in Maharashtra and Goa. Specifically to spread awareness and increase adoption of mobile internet, Vodafone has been hand holding customers through on ground engagement and education initiatives. 3G has shown tremendous uptake and has been growing at 100 % YoY. Overall Data contribution to circle service revenues is 18 %.

With already one of the country’s largest exclusive retail footprint, Vodafone has continued to expand its reach to cover various parts of Maharashtra and Goa. Presently, Vodafone has more than 900 retail outlets (largest and exclusive) in Maharashtra and Goa. Over the past 12 months, Vodafone has launched 22 Global Design Stores in Maharashtra and Goa, as part of an initiative to offer an unmatched retail experience to its new age customers. Whether it is Paddington in London or Pune in Maharashtra, Vodafone Global Design Stores offer a uniform customer experience.

Mobility June 2015

15

Tele Talk

16

Innovative Mobile Technology to Mobilize Social Change

F

or more than a decade, a wide range of challenges have been plaguing the agricultural sector in India – including growing water scarcity, crop failure, degrading soil quality, uncertain weather, low productivity of land, reduced crop production, debts, pests and food wastage. This has not only intensified into a farming crisis, but has also led to farmers’ suicides that have become a burning humanitarian and political issue.

In the wake of such a situation where food security remains a serious issue and agriculture is still a critical contributor to the national economy, mobile technology can play an important role in efforts to end hunger and poverty in rural communities in emerging markets. The Connected Farmers in India report, published by Vodafone Foundation, gives small and marginal farmers new tools to increase efficiency and productivity and access to information, financial services and markets.

The Vodafone report, based on research commissioned from Accenture Strategy with support from the Vodafone Foundation, identifies six mobile services with the potential to transform Indian A’ lives and livelihoods.

• • • • •

Agricultural information Field audit Receipt services Local supply chain Payments and loans: Smartphone-enabled services

Mobility June 2015

The introduction of these six simple mobile services, the report concludes, is designed to help small-scale farmers, and could boost the farm gate incomes of 70 million (7 crore) Indian farmers by US$9 billion (INR 56,700 crore) in 2020. Additionally, the earnings for almost two thirds of Indian farmers (almost 5 crore), could be enhanced by an average of US$128 (INR 8,063) a year, achieving a material positive impact in communities where the average farming household lives on less than $4 (INR 250) a day and many farmers struggle to feed and educate their families.

The report explores a number of innovative mobile solutions for agriculture and assesses what the benefit to farmers, economies and wider society would be if these solutions were taken to scale in India – a country experiencing rapid economic development, but where rural communities still suffer high levels of poverty and malnourishment.

Vodafone also announced the launch of its Farmers’ Club initiative in India and three additional emerging market countries –Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania – over the coming year. The Vodafone Farmers’ Club is a social business model which offers a range of mobile services to help farmers boost productivity. Specific Farmers’ Club services offered in each country will vary but will include information services, virtual marketplaces in which farmers can sell their produce and mobile money financial services and products.

Information services help farmers increase yields through better crop management and use of inputs, and enable them to identify the best time and place to sell their produce, therefore increasing incomes.

Since its launch in 2009 in Turkey, the Farmers’ Club programme has benefitted 1.2 million farmers, helping them to enhance crop yields and increase farm gate incomes. If implemented seamlessly in India, this could create an additional 15% increase in average farming income. This would mean a total of an extra $5.6 billion in income for the 63 million smallholder farmers using mobile information services in 2020. With such a large number of users, the benefits of the service could provide a significant boost to rural Indian economies.

18

Q&A

More affordable and versatile Canon’s new range of printers gives you as low as 99 paisa per print

All-purpose printers are a booming market, and consumers are spoiled with the number of choices available, so how your printer solutions have an edge on other?

Canon has a vast range of all-purposea printers catering to the printing requirements of home segment, SOHOs as well as dedicated offices. The PIXMA range of printers which are customized for the needs of the users offer unmatched print quality and are equipped with user-friendly features like PIXMA Printing Solutions, which makes wireless printing and scanning through mobile devices easier. Apart from being affordable, the printers provide users with various other features like PIXMA Cloud Link, which solves one’s printing woes by enabling them to access their files directly from a variety of photo sharing, social networking and storage sites.

What are the latest series of printers you released by targeting this segment?

We spoke to Gautam Paul, Assistant Director, CSP Group, Canon India on the printer business and some initiatives in the country.

Mobility June 2015

We have PIXMA E480, an economical office all-in-one printer that allows low-cost printing of up to 400 pages with the high-capacity ink cartridges. This ultra-compact printer also comes with integrated auto document feeder and wireless printing.

We have also launched the new affordable PIXMA MG2570S & PIXMA iP2870S printers targeting users who are relatively new to printing or look for affordable high quality printing solutions. With the new range of printers, we have also launched affordable cartridges starting at Rs. 499/-. The cartridges are- Black PG745S and Color CL746S. The printers are Compact and lightweight which allows them to easily fit into even the smaller spaces and shelves at home. Auto Power ON mode can detect a print command and will automatically switch the printer ON with a USB connection.

Q&A

How are your printers best for students who want more versatile printing solution?

Technology has become a boon for students and helps them in many ways to manage their curricular requirements. Canon has designed its products keeping in mind the requirements of this segment. The E series printers not only boast of ink efficient cartridges which give more yield but these all-in-one printers also make high quality printing, scanning and copying easier for students.

They can also print-on- the- go using various apps like PIXMA Printing Solutions and PIXMA Cloud Link, which supports Scan to Email and allows them to access their files directly from a variety of digital platforms.

Cloud Printing app will enable them to print photos and documents from Google The printers have also been designed with features like My Image Garden and Creative Park. My Image Garden offers comprehensive image organization by calendar, event, and people views and it also provides creative printing opportunity.

Creative Park is a playful website full of print material that has been optimised for Canon’s PIXMA printers.

These features will give a boost to the creativity of the young minds and help them excel in their academic performances.

How will your printers give SOHOs a competitive edge?

Features like Wifi and smart device connectivity, high quality printing surely stands apart from the competitors in providing best in class experience to consumers. PIXMA printers have been specially designed for SOHOs and

consumers addressing their diverse printing requirements.

Keeping in mind the needs of the SOHOs, a number of PIXMA printers allow users to enjoy easy and efficient print mobility by using PIXMA Printing Solutions to print photos, webpages, from smart devices and using PIXMA Cloud Link to access their files directly from a variety of photo sharing.

Home users are very concerned about cost and servicing part, how is Canon addressing that?

The demand for cost effective printers has started to increase in home segments, where users avoid running to nearby cyber cafes to get print outs. Therefore, we have launched our new affordable printers- MG2570S & iP2870S keeping in mind the needs of the home segment.

Service has always been our focus area and we have always tried to provide customers with products which will live upto their expectations. Canon has 41 printer care centres which will address all the print related queries of customers and they can also rectify any problem they face with the products. Customers can also get a live demo of the products at the Canon Image Square (CIS) centres which are spread across India. We have also extended upto 2 years onsite warranty on most of our products.

What are your fresh approach for tier I and tier II markets?

We plan to reach out to Tier I & Tier II markets through sustained marketing campaign, easy upgrade offers and add-on solutions. In addition we are working very closely with channel partners and Value Added Resellers (VARs) in all major cities to bring our printers and related services to SOHO .

Mobility June 2015

19

20

analysis

Airline Passengers Happiest When Using Technology H

appy passengers are the ultimate goal of airlines and airports and new research from global IT provider SITA proves that technology can help. In a ground-breaking survey, SITA investigated the connection between a passenger’s use of technology and their emotions to discover how passengers around the world feel at every point of the journey. The results reveal that airline passengers are happiest and most excited when using technology for travel tasks. It is now clear that technology is helping make flying more enjoyable.

The 10th annual SITA/ATW Passenger IT Trends Survey was conducted in the first months of 2015 across 17 countries, representing 76% of the world’s passenger traffic and forms a guide on overall levels of passenger satisfaction. It indicates that for the vast majority of passengers most steps of the journey were a positive experience and passengers were happiest using self-service.

Nigel Pickford, Director Market Insight, SITA, said: “As passengers become more connected and

Mobility June 2015

Analysis

airports more crowded the move to providing additional self-service continues. However, at SITA we wanted to get a better understanding of the connection between a passenger’s emotions at different stages of their journey and the technologies that have been used. Our survey shows that not only are passengers willing to use technology throughout their journey, but they have a clear preference to use their own technology when they have the choice.”

Participants were asked to review each stage of their journey and identify their range of emotions with an emotion scale tool adapted from Plutchik.The intensity of four emotions happiness, excitement, anger and anxiety - at each of nine stages of the journey from booking to bag collection were recorded.

Booking the flight is one of the best parts of the travel experience in fact, 91% of respondents experienced positive emotions at this stage. During the journey when they are able to relax, such as dwell time before boarding and onboard the aircraft, were the other times that passengers

felt the most happy and excited. An impressive 95% of passengers experienced positive emotions during dwell time and 91% while onboard.

SITA’s survey shows that technology is playing an increasing role in the passenger journey.

This year the proportion of passengers carrying smartphones has nudged up to 83% from 81% last year, while 15% travel with three mobile devices (mobile phone, tablet and laptop). And these ‘connected travelers’ are happiest when using their own devices throughout their journey.

When booking their flight the technology that makes passengers the most happy and excited is an app on their smartphone - 94% experienced these positive emotions using the app compared to 90% booking at a travel agent or an airline office.

Looking at check-in it is clear that technology is also making the experience more enjoyable.

Overall, check-in is rated positively by the vast majority of passenger (86%) but more passengers had a positive experience when they used self-service check-in. In fact, 97% of passengers who used web check-in

experienced excitement and happiness compared to 83% using the airport desk.

Not surprisingly, the least popular stages of the journey were at security, and to a lesser extent

bag collection. The majority however, still felt positive at these stages; 64% at security when the negative emotions were mainly driven by anxiety, and 69% at baggage collection.

Pickford added: “Armed with the knowledge that technology helps passengers to experience positive emotions while traveling, airlines and airports now have the opportunity to look at security and baggage collection to see how technology can further improve the passenger experience. For example, increasing the use of automated border control kiosks and gates may reduce the anxiety passengers feel at this stage of the journey.”

SITA’s survey also showed some interesting trends for the use of technology at different points of the journey with significant changes expected over the next year: Booking flights – Though booking flights on a PC remains popular with 62% of passengers doing this, it is expected to fall to 53% over the next 12 months. At the same time there is a move to using tablets and smartphones with the proportion of passengers booking flights on these devices rising from 27% now to 37% by 2016.

Check in – Passengers are increasingly using a combination of self-service on phones and computers to check in rather than at a desk in the airport. The biggest change over the next year will be an increase in the use of mobile apps for check-in – currently 8% of passengers use them and this expected to double to 16% by 2016.

Baggage – Self-service has made traveling with carryon bags the quick and easier way to fly and SITA’s survey indicates nearly one in five passengers now travel this way.

In addition, passengers are moving away from staffed check-in counters and happy to use dedicated bag drops and self-service areas. Within a year, 31% of passengers will do this, up from today’s 20%.

On Board - Passengers are keen to make better use of their time during the flight with a preference to use their own devices. Two-thirds of passengers (67%) said they would “definitely” want access to their own devices for entertainment compared to 56% for airline-provided content. Passengers also want to stay connected so that they can send and receive text/emails (60%), as well as stream live content (56%).

Boarding Passes – Passengers are making the move to printing their own boarding passes or having them on their mobile phone – the trend is a rise from today’s 30% up to 42% by 2016.

Mobility June 2015

21

Personality

22

“Quantum (QHMPL) has always been a perfect blend of Quality and Affordability” Q

uantum Hi tech, established in 2002, is one of the fastest growing IT brands in India. Today, it is the frontrunner in consumer electronics, security solutions and high-quality IT hardware/ peripherals, with its key objective being the unfailing commitment to highest standards of quality at most affordable prices.

Quantum (QHMPL) brand has demonstrated quick and robust expansion since its inception, showing profitability and growing sales in its first year of operations. It stands strong with its reach to more than a billion customers across the world since its establishment.

Quantum has a wide range of product portfolio that encompasses computer accessories, mobile accessories and also surveillance products. Recently, the brand has entered the surveillance segment with dome and bullet cameras, AHD (Analog High Definition) solutions, etc. Quantum’s wide product range offers superior value through good quality and best-in-class features at affordable prices.

A meticulously developed network of over 200 distributors, 20,000-plus resellers and 20-plus service touch-points are the pillars that strengthen Quantum’s foothold as a player present pan-India, in over 1000 cities and towns.

In an interaction with Mobility, Mr. Ashish Mutneja, Director, Quantum Hi Tech Merchandising Private Limited, shares Quantum’s philosophy, strategies and objectives.

What all changes you have witness in the market since 2002? What are the big challenges you have accomplished till date?

One of the key challenges which every brand faces is the ever-changing technology and also integration of the new product ranges in the industry continuously. The industry has become very dynamic and there has been growing competition from both the organized and unorganized markets. The varied demography and consumer needs require meticulous research and understanding to adopt and alter strategies for the products.

However, with all the challenges, Quantum stands strong successfully with double-digit growth in top line. Our strong in-house R&D set-up and the strategic alliances with the best manufacturing houses across the world enabled Quantum to successfully accomplish the growth and adaptability.

Our principle and key to success remains unchanged: Value for Money + Quality + Continual Innovation.

Mobility June 2015

As a leading brand what all the big changes technology-wise have you brought into the consumer electronics, security solutions & high-quality IT peripherals?

Technology has become extremely dynamic and constant change has become a rule. One has to stay abreast of these changes and ensure that best and right technology is presented to the Indian consumer at the right time.

There has been an increasing demand for accessories from consumers and their easy availability in India has helped the market to grow. New vendors now specializing in IT and telecom accessories are coming to the country to exploit the potential here. The scenario is improving every passing day and there is scope for more branded players to participate as customers now aspire for better quality products and they are ready to pay higher amount as well.

Furthermore, today consumer demand is not restricted to just price and quality; it goes beyond! There has been a shift in the preferences of the consumers – they want a product that meets their personalized needs.

Personality

e-commerce portals also have propelled the growth in the market. Constant innovation has become an essential driver for the brands to establish a stronger foothold.

Next, both the domestic and international companies are facing tough competition from unbranded products, especially the ones imported from China. Due to a large number of mobile accessory manufacturers in China, many Chinese products are easily available in the grey markets and local stores. A significant number of consumers find these easily available accessories affordable and attractive. But the point to be emphasized here is that these products are driven by price and not quality, so marketers say: “Consumers BEWARE” The other big change that is taking place is the Integration of IT and mobile technology. With the advent of smart-

How Quantum’s products are different from others, what are the key differentiators?

Quantum’s products have always been the perfect blend of quality and affordability. The ideology, which has spearheaded the growth of the brand, is the Value for Money principle coupled with the latest technology and the finest quality. Quantum believes that the best way to guarantee the success of the products is to respond to the changing and dynamic needs of the consumers on time.

Next merit is the company’s ever-evolving technical prowess, supported by strategically developed testing, evaluation of specifications, benchmarking, quality upgradation, effective QC processes and product design and development facilities. Presence of a dedicated technical department with specialized engineers helps Quantum ride the technology wave with confidence. It boasts of a two-way communication loop and field-visit procedure to assess warranty failures and to continuously upgrade the quality of the products.

One of the biggest differentiators that sets Quantum apart from several others IT brands in India is we don’t just buy products internationally and sell them here; we with the help our robust R&D team ensure that every product is designed to meet the needs and expectations of the Indian customers. Our products are tailormade for the Indian conditions. There could many products in the market that look similar to our products, but our products work differently and deliver better.

How do look at the Government’s initiatives of Make in India and Smart City?

phones and their growing penetration, we see the perfect blend of IT, mobile and security and we at Quantum are working on this combination diligently. One of the groundbreaking technologies, which Quantum has been working on, is the Measurement Security and Communication device powered by Microprocessors and Integrated Software, which has the potential to measure almost anything such as smoke, temperature, air quality, etc. Last, the SMS to mobile phones and the data could now be viewed through Cloud Server, which shall be live with us shortly.

How are you managing the online and traditional channel partners these days?

Catering to the ever-growing technological needs is a challenge in itself. Keeping the morale of the channel partners positive is of utmost importance. We provide newer products sooner and ensure that the channel profits have worked well for us. We also ensure the balanced distribution of the products; not over-distributing. Our main focus has been the traditional channel partners and our sales force also works aggressively to support them.

These are definitely very good initiatives and seem quite promising, but it is easier said than done. We feel this has not been well thought of, as understanding and taking right steps shall yield credible results. For instance one of the major issues one faces is in Customs Clearance of Goods grossly depleted prices. The next is the copy products from China for which the ground reality is that nothing has been done. The other major hitch being 24X7 uninterrupted electricity, which is a major deterrent. We are hoping the government’s plan of integrated grid’s dream does come true. It’s time to look towards development of Roads, Transport and build a smarter City. Last, the labor availability with schemes like MNREGA needs to be auctioned, which is a weaker spot.

What kind of opportunities and challenges you see in these Government’s initiatives?

Currently, India is at the doorstep where immense opportunities are knocking. After all India has the potential to become one of the largest economies – biggest GDP with consumer in years to come. However, what remains a challenge here is democracy.

At last what you want to convey to your potential customer?

Would like to summarize this discussion stating when you buy any Quantum’s product you are get value for Money to your spend. There are several brands out there but opt for Quality as a decision maker as that shall build an experience for you. We value your hard earned money with the right expectations.

Mobility June 2015

23

channel focus

24

“Delta’s strengths are product availability, competitive pricing and best after-sales-service”

D

elta Group is a Jaipur-based distributor with 10-year up with competitive pricing, so there is a major chance of presence in Rajasthan. Delta is one of the leading of dead-stock creation or stocks getting outdated. So the distributors of mobile gadgets and accessories in the state dead-stock liquidation is a major challenge we have to of Rajasthan. Delta which distributes mobile phone hand- overcome. To meet these challenges, we always do timely sets—feature phones and smartphones—and their acces- corrections, price re-positioning and ensuring the competisories currently deals mainly with three brands: Spice, tive specs in the products. Providing good service is the Lenovo and Celkon. Other brands form only a fraction of most important thing in today’s cut-throat competition. We their revenues. Dilip Kalra, Director, Delta Group, in an as a Super-Stockiest provide a single window solution to interaction with Mobility magazine shares his company’s our down-the-line team and always ensure the availability philosophy, aims and future plans. of spare parts all the time in each and every service cenMr Kalra states, “We have a dedicated team of profes- ter. This will also place the whole channel in a comfortable sionals working with us who help us to stay ahead with position.” new opportunities. Our sales targets for this year are: 4000 Down-the-line channel plays a very important role in handsets for Spice, 7000 for Celkon and 25,000 for Lenovo. the success of a distributor. In turn, the distributor has to Since 4G is going to have a great demand, so we have motivate the channel partners and ensure their profitability introduced Lenovo’s a 4G products. We will also introduce so that they can work with drive and zeal. In this regard, Mr IT Device Market for mobiles and electronic gadgets with Kalra clarifies, “In our 10-year journey, we have introduced immediate effect.” time to time different types of attractive schemes, incentives For a Distributor, selecting the right brands is an im- and other perks to motivate our channel partners. And the portant and critical process. If he selects some brand and encouraging thing is that these schemes have been sucdiscontinues it after sometime, the opportunity cost will be cessful in motivating. To ensure the profitability of our high. In this regard, Mr Kalra states, “Before selecting a down-the-line partners, we always float different schemes brand, we will analyze the following points carefully: glob- as per the Indian market trends.” al strength and presence of the brand, quality of the prodAs the down-the-line partners need motivators from the ucts & services, marketing tactics distributors, distributors also need and the comparative benefits the certain kinds of support and incenMr Kalra gives the following attributes brand offers to the customers, imtives from the vendors. In this regard, to their three important brands: age of the brand among distributorMr Kalra adds, “We are expecting Celkon: Provides best product quality community and how they maintain strong marketing and service support with better pricing, always gives prompt responses to queries and provides the relationships with the distributors. from our vendors and they should rebest service.

We look for long-term associations, spond to the customers’ expectation Lenovo: It is an international brand so no short-term deals.” in terms of quality and service more the brand equity and acceptability in the In the rapidly changing marketeffectively. Vendors should ensure opmarket are very high. They also provide landscape of today, a brand has to timal positioning, pricing and availthe best service. face competition and other chalability. Good product quality and the Spice: Has good brand equity and high acceptability in market. lenges effectively so that they can latest features in the products are Regarding future plans for their company, stay in the market and grow. On other desired factors from the venMr Kalra concludes, “Our revenues durthis front, Mr Kalra explains, “The dors. Our vendors, Spice, Celkon and ing FY2014-15 were Rs 230 crore. Our general challenge is, the market Lenovo, meet most of our expectamission is to achieve Rs 400 crore in the FY2015-16 with main focus on the three is getting highly competitive with tions and that is the reason we focus brands: Celkon, Lenovo and Spice.” technology changing frequently. mainly on these three brands which Every day new models are coming contribute over 90% of our revenue.”

Mobility June 2015

26

MADE IN INDIA

CElkoN LEADS the ‘Make In India’ March Celkon’s state-of-the-art handset manufacturing unit takes a lead in contributing to Government of India’s ‘Make In India’ initiative

RECENTly lAuNChEd dEVICES:

Campus Q405 Rs 3199/-

Campus A518 Rs. 4500/

Highlights of the new Q405

Highlights of the new Campus A518

• • • •

• • • • •

• • • • • • •

Mobility June 2015

3G smart phone SwiftKey Dual SIM 1.2 GHz Quad-Core Processor Android 4.4.2 4 inch HVGA Display 3.2MP Rear Camera with Flash 1.3 MP Front Camera Wi-fi, Bluetooth 1500mAh Battery Expandable upto 32GB

• • • • • •

Dual SIM 1G11z Processor Android 4.4.2 KITKAT 4GB ROM 5.(12.7cm) Capacitive Display 3G I Video calling 3.2. Will Flash 1.3. Front Camera 2000mAh Expandable up to 32GB Free Stylish Flip Cover and Screen Guard

MADE IN INDIA

C

elkon Mobiles is one of leading Indian mobile brands.

Celkon caters increasing smart needs of mobile users across the world. They have a wide range of products which ensures that there is a phone for every pocket.

Leading the market in South India, Celkon has presence in international markets like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Now in a major initiative Celkon has announced that it is all set to launch its state-of-the–art manufacturing facility in Medchal (Hyderabad) shortly. Minister for IT Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) is expected to inaugurate the unit.

Celkon’s manufacturing unit will begin with four production lines and will eventually enhance its capacity to higher levels. Celkon has invested heavily in training its manpower and is all set to start production.

Commenting on the first step towards setting up the unit Mr. Y Guru, Chairman and Managing Director, Celkon Mobiles, said, “We are very pleased to be one of the first companies to unveil our plans in setting up the domestic manufacturing unit, which will greatly boost our ability

27

to meet the demand for our game changing products as well as contribute to the overall ‘Make in India’ revolution promoted by the government of India.”

Celkon was one of the early movers in envisioning a manufacturing unit in the country and has been actively pursuing the state and centre to bring about a supportive ecosystem that can enable handset manufacturing. These include promoting ancillary units, support infrastructure - capital subsidy, tax breaks/benefits and social infrastructure setup.

A few months back they have also joined hands with Aircel to bring smart offers. With this association Celkon aims to strengthen its philosophy of making smartphones and cutting-edge features accessible to all.

Through this association with Aircel, Celkon has combined two models, Celkon Campus A356 and Celkon C329 at a exiting price point of only Rs 3333. The offer includes smartphone with Kitkat and a feature phone. Aircel will offer up to 1.5 GB of 3G data on both phones for three months.

Mr. Murali Retineni, Executive Director - Celkon Mobiles “We at Celkon believe in products which are packed with cutting-edge features and are affordable to all. In continuation of that, we are today pleased to announce our association with Aircel. We hope this association will be a win-win for both of us as new customers can enjoy the additional value of cutting edge features with free data. Moreover, the package will also offer reduced call rates.”

MIllENNIA Q450 RS. 4799/-

MIllENNIA ME Q54 Rs. 5555/-

highlights of the new Q450

highlights of the new Q54

• Dual SIM • Quad core 1.3G1-1.

Processor • Android 4.4.2 KITKAT • 4GB ROM • 4.5. Display • 3G Video calling • 5MP Rear camera with Auto Focus & Flash • 1800mAh Batt, • 4GB Internal mem, • Expandable up to 32GB • Stylish Back Cover with rich color options — Gold, White and Grey

• Dual SIM • Qp ruoaccle scsocr: 1.2GHz • Android 4A2 KITKAT • 512MB RAM, 4GB RoM • 5”(12.7cm)Display • 3G I Videocalling • 5MP Rear camera with Flash • 5MPFront camera • Gravity Sensor • 2000mAh • Expandable up to 32GB

Mobility June 2015

28

REVIEW

Nikon D4S

The Unstoppable: Perfect for Fulltime PRo

A

fter the launch for D4s, there are many discussions about its megapixel count; many people want it to be 25 megapixel full frame sensor, but Nikon launched this with 16 megapixel full frame sensor. However, this is meant for professional photographers who don’t need that much of high resolutions, so Nikon focuses on to make this professional camera really fast. It’s been two years since Nikon introduced their flagship SLR, the D4. While that camera has undoubtedly performed really well and everyone appreciated its quality and performance, Nikon has decided that it’s time for a refresh. D4s which on the surface, doesn’t look much different than its predecessor and the major changes to the D4s are inside its magnesium alloy body.

look and feel: The D4s feels great in hand and its sculpted body fits well. It has a built-in vertical grip with two total shutter releases each with its own separately programmable function button. It also features two sets of command dials, two AF-oN buttons, and two new thumb controllers. The MIC button has been moved so it’s now a stretch to reach while shooting. For storage, it has one CF slot (UDMA 7), and one XQD slot. on the connectivity part, it has USB, HDMI (miniC), RJ-45 Ethernet.

Big change: The biggest changes on the D4s are its processor, wider ISo range at 409,600, group area AF feature, and slightly faster burst speeds. Nikon has also reduced viewfinder blackout time, made transitions more ‘smooth’ when shooting time-lapse, and added 1080/60p video recording. Movie makers will also enjoy the ability to use Auto ISo when using manual exposure, audio range and level adjustment, and the ability to output uncompressed video over HDMI while simultaneously recording to a memory card.

Performance: 11 fps burst shooting with full autofocus and auto-exposure makes it an ideal weapon to shoot sports and wildlife.

To test this fast camera, we opted for SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB Compact Flash card, as the camera supports CF

Mobility June 2015

MobIlITy RATINGS

29

dESIGN

9/10 PERfoRMANCE

9/10

and XQD cards. The very first thing that we tried is its new Group Area AF mode which is a moveable 5-point clump of AF points that operates as a single focus area. This is a fantastic addition by Nikon in its D4s as it improves focus when shooting subjects against a busy background and you get perfect focus on the subject rather than its background. For portrait photographers, you can use face-detection based metering in the optical viewfinder, and the standard Picture Control and white balance have been tweaked to deliver better skin tones. Another thing you will love about D4s is its ability to shoot in darkest of conditions, an expanded sensitivity up to an incredible ISo 409,600 which is double the maximum sensitivity of the D4, making the D4S capable of producing images in some of the darkest of conditions. What is more, the battery life jumps if you switch to the new, higher-capacity EL-EN18a battery. D4 has a CIPArated 3,020 shots/charge capacity. The Ethernet connection gets a speed boost too jumping to 1000 BaseT. About the lens compatibility, the Nikon D4s had a built-in motor and AI coupling feeler, so all AF lenses work, as well as classic AI, AI-s and AI-P manual-focus lenses all work.

Verdict: If you have Nikon D4, then you may not want to opt it, but if you are looking for a best pro DSLR camera, then you have to consider this.

Specs: • • • • • • • • • • • •

16 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor Expeed 4 processing ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 50 - 409,600 equiv) 51-point autofocus system (same as D4) Group Area AF allows for more accurate subject tracking with less ‘distraction’ 11 fps continuous shooting with continuous AE/AF New ‘small’ Raw size (approx. 8 megapixel) 1080/60p video for up to 10 mins at 42Mbps or 20 mins at 24Mbps Smoother transitions when shooting interval or timeVAluE foR lapse stills/movies MoNEy CompactFlash and XQD card slots Gigabit Ethernet port, in addition to support for WT-5A wireless transmitter oVER All EN-EL18a battery provides 3020 shots per charge (CIPA)

9/10

9.5/10

Pros:

Build Quality, ability to shoot in dark, full frame sensor, 11fps

Cons: ISo 409600 has limited applications, XQD format for second card is bit odd.

Price: INR 419,950

Mobility June 2015

REVIEw REVIEW

30

SwIPE koNNECT ME Low at cost, high on security

MobIlITy RATINGS dESIGN

7/10 PERfoRMANCE

7/10

K

onnect ME is the 4th device in the series from Swipe; the earlier ones being Konnect 4, Konnect 4E and Konnect 5.0. Swipe Konnect Me smartphone is power-packed with all the latest features along with a good design. This phone is targeted towards budget and first time smartphone buyers. With this phone, Swipe wants to give good value for money product to its buyers with good build, security and features.

fEATuRES It has a 4.5-inch display with 480x854 pixels resolution. Powered by 1.3 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB of RAM, it has 8GB of built-in storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. The smartphone has a 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1.3MP front camera. To give you better flexibility, the Konnect ME is loaded with dual SIM support (with 3G) feature. And it runs on Android 4.4.2.

PERfoRMANCE Compared to its price, Konnect ME has a good build quality. The back cover is with matte finish.

Volume rockers are placed on the

left and power and volume rocker keys on the same sides which is a little difficult to adjust as there is no gap. The 5 inches IPS screen is responsive; it gives you seamless multitasking and smooth operating experience. The pre-loaded SuperSecure feature on Konnect ME allows a dynamic time-based password for screen lock that changes every minute, with diversified password customization which is one of the USPs of this device. Konnect ME offers you the pre-loaded, GPS-enabled SuperSocial feature. Track the whereabouts of anyone at all using the SuperSocial feature. Receive real-time updates about their locations, with custom notifications as well. Create your circle of loved ones and man their safety and security virtually now. This feature also doubles up as an e-map to give you directions to your favorite locations. The 5 MP rear camera with flash and the 1.3 MP front camera will give you a satisfying performance. The only thing that we didn’t like about this device is its battery life. Though everyone these days uses a battery backup, you can get only 16-17 hrs of battery life in day to day use. So don’t try loaded games with this.

VERdICT At this price tag, the Swipe Konnect ME gives you some great features and good performance to grab your attention.

PRICE - INR 3999/PRoS - Budget device, good feature, builds CoNS - Battery life

SPECIfICATIoNS • 11.43 cm (4.5) IPS Display • 1.3 GHz Dual Core • 1 GB RAM & 8 GB ROM • 5 MP Rear and 1.3 MP Front Camera • 2450 mAh Li-ion Battery • Android 4.4.2 KitKat • Enhanced Phone Security • Create your own Circles and track their location • Group Sharing up to 5 devices at a time • 1 Year Brand Warranty

VAluE foR MoNEy

9/10 oVER All

Mobility June 2015

8/10

consumer alert

Take Care of the Air You Breathe

Y

our indoor air is often much more polluted than the air outside. Since, we spend most of our time indoors these days, our exposure to poor indoor air quality puts us at risk for a number of ailments, including allergies, asthma and respiratory issues.

Many newer homes and offices are designed with energy efficiency in mind. While that efficiency is great for your gas bill, it can wreak havoc on your allergies. Although the inside air probably starts out clean, there’s no way to avoid pet dander coming in on clothes, pollen blowing in when you open the door and other irritants in the air. Because the house is a contained unit, the allergens have nowhere to go, so they simply re-circulate.

WHO reports that in 2012 around 7 million people died - one in eight of total global deaths – as a result of air pollution exposure. This finding more than doubles the previous estimates and confirms that air pol-

Products available in the market

lution is now the world’s largest single environmental health risk. Reducing air pollution could save millions of lives.

Dust particles, while unpleasant to see, are not as much of a health issue as the smaller particles that get past the body’s barriers. ‘Dust bunnies’ are composed of dust mites and their fecal material, skin cells, mold spores, pollen and other unsavory ingredients. It is critical to clean and vacuum regularly to remove dust bunnies and large dust particles. However, particles become airborne during vacuuming, so it is helpful to run an air purifier on the highest speed as cleaning progresses. Running an air purifier in your home continuously will help minimize the presence of dust.

Prevention is better than cure, so take care that you breath fresh air by minimizing, as much as possible, pollutants and contaminants.

Philips AC4072/00 Air Purifier

Blueair 270E Blueair’s patented HEPASilent technology combines the best features of electrostatic and mechanical filter technology to enable the delivery of more clean air at a faster rate with less noise.

Phenomenally low power usage minimizes energy consumption. Plus Blueair air purifiers actually reduce the levels of ozone in indoor air. Blueair’s revolutionary combination of mechanical and electrostatic filtration captures 99.97% of particles at 0.1 micron on the lowest setting.

The professional filtration system cleans air of harmful agents in 4 stages: In stage 1, the antibacterial pre-filter catches big particles like hair and dust. In stage 2, the HEPA and multi-care filter combination removes ultrafine particles larger than 20 nm including some viruses. In stage 3, the activated carbon filter effectively removes odors and harmful gases. In stage 4, the HEPA filter with its antibacterial coating filters out fine dust and eliminates germs and mould.

Mobility June 2015

31

32

CoVER REVIEw SToRY

ARE WE AUDIBLE Indian audio visual (AV) market, with continuous development and paradigm shifts, is definitely the key focus for several international brands. Consumers in AV segment are looking at complete solutions and are looking for comprehensive solution provider brands. Today consumers are looking for versatile products to meet their requirement for quality output, more channels, aesthetic designs and compact size.

Mobility June 2015

CoVER SToRY

I

ndia is now the world’s fastest growing market for audio visual equipment. The audio visual (AV) market in India is expected to show a high compounded annual growth rate of 25% to touch higher ground by end of this year.

We interacted with three industry leaders in audio segment about how this market is shaping up in India and what all exciting products and solutions we are going to see in the coming years; how India is a key market for them and what they are expecting from this market.

ThE lATEST TRENdS IN AudIo VISuAl MARkET At present, the demand for audio equipment such as headphones, speakers, home theater systems, etc is growing fast. The ugly side of the market is there are people selling low quality goods at cheap prices. In a market which is highly price-sensitive, this gray market is affecting the genuine brands which sell in white. Vishal Parekh, Marketing Director, Kingston Technology – India, opines, “The present market for audio visual equipment in India is maturing fast; faster than the global markets. Talking about the market growth for audio, one key driver is the rapid adoption of over-ear headphones. The proliferation of smartphones, the rise in disposable income, especially among individuals in tier II cities, and the availability of headphones with advanced features have increased the purchase of over-ear headphones. There is a lot of growth potential in India and Kingston is all geared up to cater to the growing requirements of the market.”

Saurabh Grover, Country Head – India, SAARC & MEA, RAPoo, believes, “The market for audio peripherals in India is very good and growing. The flip side is that we have a lot of sellers selling inferior quality products at highly discounted prices. In a market where the quality is only appreciated by a few, the target audience, the segment consisting rational and quality buyers, has become a niche market. We are happy that we could to cater to this niche segment.”

Puneet Gupta, Head India & SAARC, STK Accessories, adds, “Audio sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Indian economy. The gray market, however, continues to pose a challenge. Products are being copied and sold at extremely competitive prices. The consumers get confused at the price variations and often opt for the products that

cost them less, resulting in a thriving parallel industry.

Also, the duty structure is skewed such that these products are often hand carried from overseas. Traditionally, only earphones were in demand but people are now crazy about portable devices. Bluetooth speakers are well in demand.

There is an amplified demand for audio products and people are demanding Bluetooth Speakers, BT headsets, Headphones and Earphones.”

what kind of demand are you getting from the consumers & the market?

Like in any other lifestyle product segment, changes are happening very fast in the audio visual accessories segment. New designs and innovations are appearing every second month. People are looking more for features, designs and solutions.

Vishal Parekh from Kingston opines, “Kingston has recently ventured into the audio industry with the high quality HyperX Cloud gaming headsets. The consumers and media weren’t expecting a lifestyle technology brand like us to introduce premium professional quality gaming headsets, that too at affordable price points. The overall response was more than our expectations and the media and professionals have welcomed this move. We are soon introducing the next gen headsets.”

Saurabh Grover of RAPoo believes, “RAPoo is not in the ‘need’ segment; we are fulfilling the ‘wants’ of consumers. The most important demand of this segment is the need for uniqueness. As a vendor, we have certain limitations towards the product variations, but we make sure that the design and quality satisfies most of the user expectations. The utility of our products is unmatchable.”

Today, India is a hot destination for various lifestyle product providers, both domestic and international. People are looking for more functionalities, attractive designs and compact size, all at affordable prices.

Mobility June 2015

33

34

cover Review story

Vishal Parekh, Marketing Director, Kingston Technology – India

“Kingston has already displayed its excellence in high quality headsets – HyperX Cloud. With large drivers, ergonomic structures, apt use of metal, Kingston provides a comfortable gaming experience. We will soon enhance things with the 7.1 Virtual Surround sound and easy USB access with the HyperX Cloud II.”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories eleborates, “Indian market, with continuous development and paradigm shifts happening across all other industries, is definitely the key focus for several international brands. Consumers in AV segment are looking at complete solutions and are looking for comprehensive solution provider brands. New designs and better sound quality in Bluetooth speakers and headsets is something what consumers are looking. The present-day consumers are looking for versatile products to meet their requirement for quality output and compact size. In the field of wireless systems also, a majority of the consumers demand larger bandwidth so as to make the systems more flexible in an even more congested frequency spectrum.”

India. Our partners are inspired by the quality and looks of our products and we are doing well in the market.”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories adds, “For over two decades, STK has grown dramatically overseas. In India, we plan to establish the same league further by widening our product range locally and further by understanding the needs of the Indian consumers in order to deliver the most innovative mobile accessories in the market place.

Furthermore, we are present across several retail stores namely Reliance Retail, Airtel Stores, Spice Hotspot, The Mobile Store, Big C Mobiles, Reliance Retail, TMS, SPICE, Lot Mobiles, Sangeetha Mobiles, Bajaj Electronics, BNew, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, etc with several more tie-ups in pipeline.”

Different segments need audio accessories for different purposes Besides consumer segment, there are other segments such as education, infrastructure, corporates, etc which also need audio accessories. And also different segments need the same or similar accessories for different purposes. Sometimes the products need segment-specific customization.

Vishal Parekh of Kingston elaborates, “There are many sectors that have an ongoing requirement for audio equipment. Though we do have customers in other sectors, with our premium HyperX Cloud headset, we are primarily focusing our energies towards professional gamers, media professionals and consumers who require high quality headsets. We have set a very high benchmark in the gaming vertical with these headsets and have concrete plans to go even further with the next generation headsets – HyperX Cloud II – which will also be available very soon in India.”

Importance of effective distribution network

Saurabh Grover of RAPOO emphasizes, “Ours are lifestyle products and we are targeting aspiring youth of India who desire stylish gadgets. We have various products and models for all the sectors. RAPOO’s portable Bluetooth speakers are targeted at students and RAPOO lightweight and foldable wireless headsets and headphones are targeted at travelers and young professionals on their business trips.”

Effective distribution network, incentive schemes for the channel and new tie-ups, all play an important role while operating in an arena of cut-throat competition and rapid changes. Also for a vendor to be successful, he should have good retail tie-ups, alongside the good channel.

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories asserts, “Companies and individuals are ready to pay a premium price for the best products suited to their requirements. We have all products related to audio which cater to sectors such as education, infrastructure, corporate and enterprises.”

Vishal Parekh of Kingston clarifies, “Our brand is built on quality and trust that customers and partners have on us. Apart from assisting gaming tournaments in various parts of the country and supporting the E-Sports community in India, we have had no major tie-ups or mergers at the brand level. We do not see need of such tie-ups at present.

Of course, we regularly update of our channel network and channel partners.”

Vishal Parekh of Kingston opines, “Audio has become an essential element in the education, media and corporate sectors. With respect to the audio gear, especially headsets, there is still a huge potential in the gaming industry. Gamers need to clearly communicate and experience the sound effects of the high end games. This helps them focus and react to the situations. And with the prices dropping in the audio gear, a good quality headset becomes a necessity for most.”

Saurabh Grover of RAPOO asserts, “For distribution of RAPOO’s products in India, we have tie-ups with three major distribution houses, to name, Creative PeripheralsMumbai for West India; Savera Marketing-Kolkata for North & East India; and Inspan Infotech-Chennai for South

Mobility June 2015

Saurabh Grover of RAPOO believes, “Audio segment is showing a lot of promise. People have a plethora of choices in audio content and have varied preferences.

The utility of audio devices depends on the type of audio

cover story

product. A headphone is for standalone usage, whereas a wireless speaker is for two or more people. Also, our audio requirements change according to occasions and trends creating a good demand for audio devices. Hence, AV segment has more potential compared to input devices like keyboards and mice which are already rendered unusable by the touch technology.”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories asserts, “In the infrastructure segment, there is a great scope for growth particularly in housing and office area segments. Over the years, there have been noticeable developments in audiovisual accessories.”

The next big thing to happen in audio segment!

Now consumers want headphones and speakers that give them clearest quality sound and they want more channels and overall greater comfort.

Vishal Parekh from Kingston says, “Kingston has already displayed its excellence in high quality headsets – HyperX Cloud. With large drivers, ergonomic structures, apt use of metal, Kingston provides a comfortable gaming experience. We will soon enhance things with the 7.1 Virtual Surround sound and easy USB access with the HyperX Cloud II.” Saurabh Grover from RAPOO, believes, “When it comes to audio segment, consumers prefer a high wattage speaker. But quality also matters to a great deal of audiophiles. Creating smaller units and increasing the number of channels to refine surround sound technology is what I would prefer as a consumer. Also, for solitary listening headphones can be modified to be better and multi-functional, like inbuilt microphone and then wireless products, of course!”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories adds, “As per the present technology, Bluetooth Surround sound could be the new revolution in the audio segment.”

Puneet Gupta Head India & SAARC, STK Accessories

“Now trend is ‘say hello to ways to play with no strings attached.’ Whether you’re looking for a sonic companion that fits in your pocket or a multi-component whole home audio solution, learn ways to leave the wires behind. Wireless and portable speakers are the hottest trend now.”

Saurabh Grover Country Head – India, SAARC & MEA, RAPOO

“A headphone is for standalone usage, whereas a wireless speaker is for two or more people.

Also, consumer’s audio requirements change according to occasions and trends creating a good demand for audio devices. Hence, AV segment has more potential compared to input devices like keyboards and mice which are already rendered unusable by the touch technology.”

Latest solutions and technologies in audio segments Saurabh Grover of RAPOO comments, “We constantly raise standards of communication through incorporating latest needs such as 5G and Bluetooth 4.1. We are introducing a mini-speaker RAPOO A200 and our lifestyle headphone RAPOO S100 in the market.”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories, “The present-day consumers are looking for versatile microphones, which exactly meet their requirement for quality output and compact size. We will soon offer Bluetooth headset with optimal wearability, stunning craftsmanship and ease-ofuse that make the Bluetooth headset great.”

Within the AV segment, different accessories like headphones, wireless speakers, portable speakers, home entertainment systems, enterprise solutions, car audio systems, etc have different demand rates.

Saurabh Grover from RAPOO says, “Nowadays gadgets are made, bought and classified under lifestyle category. With increasing requirements and changing lifestyles, these products have become very essential for the consumers. Which products one needs is a personal preference. The market for all the above mentioned products has increased year-on-year growth and will continue to do so.”

Puneet Gupta of STK Accessories, clarifies, “Wired sound is for 20th century. Now we are in the 21st century.

With the explosive spread of smartphones, tablets, today wired devices are going out of fashion. Now trend is ‘say hello to ways to play with no strings attached.’ Whether you’re looking for a sonic companion that fits in your pocket or a multi-component whole home audio solution, learn ways to leave the wires behind. Wireless and portable speakers are the hottest trend now.”

Mobility June 2015

35

36

Review computex

Computex 2015 d&i award winners 271 products were entered in this year’s competition. They included high-tech hardware, useful apps and software as well as clever gadgets and innovative consumer electronics. A total of 72 products were able to convince the judges of their design and innovation quality and were selected to receive the COMPUTEX d&i awards 2015.

Digital Signage X In the era of innovation, style and uniqueness, small specialty shops and showrooms are becoming a trendy business model; DSX 27� digital signage solution is made for exactly this environment. Inspired by the common ring toss game, the DSX features a central pillar to support multiple displays for 2-sided, 4-sided or even ring-shaped configurations.

The displays themselves are made for close interactions and can pivot between landscape and portrait modes, while cables are discreetly hidden inside the framework.

Versatile and powerful, the DSX offers limitless possibilities in limited space.

AOC LX Sseries Curved TV Dell XPS 13 The new Dell XPS 13 is designed to be the best performing laptop of its size. It is currently the smallest 13-inch laptop around the world with an enclosure size of a typical 11-inch laptop.

The XPS 13 features a 5.2 mm bezel around the display that nearly eliminates the boarder around the screen. The outer protective covers are anodized aluminum that are forged and then machined for a precise fit and finish. The soft touch painted carbon fiber palm rest allows for the ultimate in appearance and touch while still maintaining rigidity and light weight.

Mobility June 2015

The simple yet bold design of the X-Series curved TV creates a perfect viewing angle and expanded visual experience for users to immerse themselves in a high quality picture and sound feast.

Inspired by the idea of interweaving, the frontal sound bar providing its most prevailing finishing treatment is designed like a bending belt that crosses over both sides of the gleaming metal frame as a pair of feet, boasting the X-Series’ perfect setting.

Its simple design exhibits a modern look, while the sophisticated details make it stunning for users seeking a truly unique piece of craft to stand out with a sense of unmatched beauty.

computex

Wireless DIY Home Security Kit The K1 is smanos’ latest wireless smart home gateway, combining butlerand guard-like functions into a stack of aesthetically pleasing round discs.

The discs come with aluminum frames and texturized plastic surfaces, designed for everyday use. The smanos K1 connects to up to 50 wireless accessories with ease, and its intuitive operation both on-site and on the smartphone is a breeze. Users, young or old, can rely on their basic senses to see, hear or touch to check if K1-enabled things at home are working properly. Such connected but wireless objects include locks, HD cameras, alarm detectors/sirens and environmental sensors.

Alienware Area 51 The new Alienware Area-51 is a completely reimagined gaming PC system that features the visually compelling Triad chassis designed to deliver stateof-the-art performance, scalability and ease of use.

The Area-51 system was designed with functional aesthetics in mind to ensure a better user experience.

Access to front and rear I/O is improved with the 30 degree sloping angles of those surfaces, versus the traditional 90 degree angles seen on conventional PC enclosures. This allows the user to use the rear I/O without needing to move the system away from the wall, while providing a free-flowing thermal exit path, whether or not the system is placed against the wall.

hone

smartp

ASUS ZenFone2 ZE551ML The ZenFone 2 is an extremely powerful and beautiful smartphone designed by ASUS. This whole new generation ZenFone is a perfect balance between performance and elegance. Powered by a max. 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel® AtomTM Z3580 processor and 4GB RAM for everyday performance, you’ll enjoy slick web surfing, smooth video playback, great gaming experiences and multi-tasking, that will not leave you waiting. The iconic ASUS concentric-circle design adorns both the fascia and rear key, with a beautiful, tactile effect that looks as premium as it feels. ZenFone 2 is available in five striking colors to reflect your personality and mood.

HTC One M9 The HTC One M9 elevates the metal body design to new heights.

The exquisite dual-tone, all-metal body with jewelry-grade brushing surface makes this device both durable and elegant.

With careful architecture layouts and a simplified and stronger front bezel, a 5 inch screen now feels great to hold; it won’t slip out easily.

The 20MP main camera sports a sapphire lens to prevent scratches and is complemented with the UltraPixel front camera for a flawless photography experience. HTC Boomsound with Dolby Audio brings out the ultimate audio quality.

The HTC One M9 testifies to our persistence in realizing quality results for smartphones once again.

Mobility June 2015

37

38

REVIEw CoMPUTEX

TAblET

Iconia One 8 The new Acer Iconia one 8 boasts fantastic touch experience, trendy design, multimedia enjoyment and the most accurate touch and writing experience with Acer Precision Plus.

Designed with Tartan patterned covers and multiple color choices to reflect your personality and trendy style, it also offers a powerful Intel quad core processor, particular Iconia Suite applications and Android Lollipop 5.0, bringing you intuitive and dynamic multimedia tablet enjoyment.

ASuS ZenPad 8 Z380 Series The ASUS ZenPad Z380 brings harmony to the tablet experience with a graceful balance of elegant design, extraordinary visual enhancement technology and effortless customizability. A stylish body with luxurious leather patterning complements the gorgeous display, giving Z380 all-around beauty. Its 8-inch IPS display with an expansive 76.5% viewing area and VisualMaster Tru2Life technology enhances contrast and sharpness, and delivers a stunningly detailed image never before seen on a tablet.

The Z380 introduces an innovative interchangeable design that provides unique personalization options to let consumers create their perfect tablet experience.

TEbook

2 in 1 No

Aspire Switch 10 E The way we best present ourselves reflects confidence and style.

With the next generation Acer Snap Hinge 2, the new Aspire Switch 10 E is perfect for work and play. With a trendy design, long battery life and compact portability quad modes, you can enjoy multimedia, using it as a tablet or laptop anytime, and do it better than anyone else while on the go. The magnetic Acer Snap Hinge 2 with the guiding plane design supports smoother and effortless transitions between different modes to seamlessly fit every situation. Apply the sophisticate textile pattern on the top cover and underside to create an elegant look with unique tactile feedback.

bASEd Cloud PRoduCT Ebook ChRoM

Acer Chromebook 15 The Acer Chromebook 15 is the world’s first Chromebook that uses the 5th Generation Intel Core i3 and Intel Celeron processors based on Intel Broadwell micro-architecture. The Acer Chromebook 15 is a true powerhouse: it provides fast mobile performance and a large display to help customers accomplish more every day. The Acer Chromebook 15 provides full immersive computing thanks to the stunning 15.6-inch display, which is 27 percent larger than the 13.3-inch Chromebooks on the market. Movie and music enjoyment is enhanced with two full-size upward facing speakers for amplified volume and clarity.

Mobility June 2015

CoMPUTEX

ok

NoTEbo

ZenBook uX305 Fast, slim and beautiful, the UX305’s design is an exercise in simplicity; there isn’t a single unnecessary protuberance, and its lines and curves flow from edge to edge with an elegant fluidity. Finished in dark obsidian stone, the UX305 continues the ZenBook tradition by featuring a gorgeous aluminum body and a delicately thin waistline.

Acer Aspire E 15

ASuS T300ChI Razor-thin tablet and powerful laptop allin-one Available with Windows 8.1 Pro and other editions Ultra-slim laptop transforms seamlessly into a tablet Pure, streamline curve design Metallic cover with diamond-cut edges Fanless design with the all-new Intel® processor for powerful and powerefficient performance.

AkER

oTh SPE

bluETo

Don’t settle for less.

The new Aspire E 15 laptops provide a comprehensive range of choices for everyday use, with lots of appealing feature options and an attractive design that exceeds expectations.

- The Aspire E 15 comes in a variety of color choices and a sophisticated cover design with a pleasing textile pattern.

Acer TrueHarmony sound technology and Skype certified performance provide you with a more immersive video and audio experience, making for clear communication.

- Fast 802.11ac wireless with MUMIMo, Precision Touchpad, and Acer BluelightShield improve both efficiency and ease-of-use.

IToR

PC MoN

AIR Speaker Crystal clear sound with powerful base, this speaker not only sounds great but looks intriguing as it levitates over a magnetic stand. You can also plug an audio source directly into the 3.5mm input; since there’s an integrated mic, you can use it as a hands-free speakerphone too.

While the power base keeps the speaker in the air, the speaker can also operate untethered. Because there’s a powerful magnet in the speaker’s belly, you can attach it to your fridge or bicycle. The base includes an integrated USB charging port, so you don’t need to use a secondary adapter to charge the speaker.

dell ultraSharp 34 The new Dell UltraSharp 34 Monitor is the first-in-the-market 34inch curved monitor with panoramic clarity. It features WQHD 3440 x 2440 resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio; it is ideal for gamers, technology enthusiasts and commercial applications.

The touch controls are designed to blend in with the overall form and also minimize visual distraction. The monitor is designed to achieve the most immersive viewing experience and the best visual ergonomics. The size and the curvature of the screen are specifically selected based on Human Factors research and to ensure that the screen covers both the primary field of-view as well as the secondary peripheral vision.

Mobility June 2015

39

40

REVIEw CoMPUTEX

Acer H257Hu Monitor The Acer H257HU monitor oozes style and quality. It combines an eye-pleasing and premium brushed-metal stand (we smooth its edges with diamond cutters to make it beautiful) for a highclass look and feel, a “zero-frame” screen, a glossy back panel, and stylish aluminum front framing to create a truly lustrous effect. Its WQHD (2560 x 1440) display, superior DTS® Sound audio enhancements and superfast HDMI 2.0 port make it ideal for immersing yourself in perfectly portrayed high-resolution movies.

T

hEAdSE

oGy EChNol SMART T S + PRoduCTS TIoN APPlICA

iCamPRo fhd

ISuRuS Pro In-Ear headset The ISURUS Pro consists of a dual microphone design: you can choose either to speak through the inline microphone or via the detachable microphone. Gamers are recommended to use the detachable microphone while in gameplay for better sound quality; the inline microphone lets you switch between calls and music, control music, or skip a track with the press of a button, without touching the device.

Exceptionally designed to nestle in the ear without really entering your ear canal, it spreads contact equally across the ear for supreme coziness, and forms a soothing cap that gives the headphones full-spectrum noise reduction.

Cronos Ad headset The Tt eSPoRTS CRoNoS AD features an auto-adjusting headband so users get the right sizing every time they put on the headphone, for the best comfort and fit. The microphone is now retractable, for better overall aesthetics when the mic is not used.

When pulled out, the cable is also bendable for optimal positioning of the mic. Also, CRoNoS AD comes with 40 mm drivers and is circumaural (over the head design, full sized headset) with ear pads that are highly breathable and comfortable, yet maintain very good external noise isolation. The 40 mm drivers are perfect for both gaming and listening to music.

Mobility June 2015

The iCamPRo FHD is the world’s first robotic home security camera that can see, hear and sense its surroundings. An auto track moves objects 360° so you’ll never miss an event, even in the dark. A simple QR code scan easily allows for a 1 minute installation. It sends Full HD audio & video data through an advanced 256-bit encryption system. Two-way audio & picture alerts via Google’s server are sent to your phone in real-time. In addition, it’s the first camera to support Free 15GB Cloud storage, and

boasts a sleek and modern design so small that it can be easily held in your hand. All of these great features are why it has won top honors for the Best of Innovation Awards at CES 2015.

AIR MENToR PRo The Air Mentor is a 6-in-1 indoor air quality monitor. It can detect concentrations of Co2, VoC together with Co, PM2.5, PM10, temperature and relative humidity. The overall design style fits the yoga environment. The combination of LED light shows the corresponding level of air quality with different colors. Its smartphone APP provides explanations of the numbers and changes. The cloud computing infrastructure analyzes the air quality patterns and gives effective advice to users. The built-in rechargeable battery also makes it mobile for temporary use.

With the Air Mentor, people can be aware of the air quality around them, in order to ensure a healthy life.

CoMPUTEX

iPin laser Ruler The iPin Laser Ruler is a tiny tool for acquiring distance data. It consists of an “iPin laser” inside the earphone jack and a mirror cap which reflects the laser beam along the camera direction. As a result, the App can see the laser dot through the phone camera and then show it on the smartphone screen. The distance from the user to the laser dot position is then calculated by the App from the relative dot position on the screen.

In the meantime, the App records the image of measurement, so it allows the user to calculate the distance between any two points on the image afterwards.

GoSafe 150S Sony Sensor low light CMoS 24-hr recording technology Special mount for rearview mirror Motion detection Photo snapshot during video recording Adjustable lens TSR (Traffic sign recognition) Stop & Go Driver fatigue alert Headlight reminder.

Polydigit The PolyDigit™ is an enhanced version of a super powerful LED moving display like no other in the market.

Polytron takes the best transparent glass technology to full-throttle by creating light and media control lightemitting-diodes.

A unique feature is its total transparency, so the LEDs can shine through the glass and radiate from both sides. Users can pre-install text, logos, messages and animation by uploading from the PC to its controller.

Providing visual information anywhere, from bus stations, airports to any public glass displays from both sides, PolyDigitTM makes it a great way to create public awareness and, in most cases, impress audiences.

Mozbii The NFC Medical Alert and Door Access Ring is made with jewelry grade fine ceramics. It is water resistant up to 30 meters for one hour and completely dust-proof, with an IP68 rating.

It not only provides unlocking MiFare-enabled secured gate access, but is also a Safe Return device for people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a tool for retaining medical data for the rest of us. Each ring has its own web URL so that the EMT or police can access a patient’s personal information, medical data and emergency contact from the Internet without a special App to read. This “In Case of Emergency Ring” is small, aesthetic and multifunctional for anyone to wear.

NFC Multifunction Ring The KEYDEX multifunctional NFC (Near-Field Communication) ring with built-in intelligence is water- and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating, with patents granted in Taiwan and China. This compact wearable ring made with jewelry grade ceramics is highly durable for daily usage; it is also aesthetically appealing. The ceramic property does not hinder NFC transmissions. By combining with Android App, it can unlock the phone instantaneously when picking up the phone, and can host different types of data, including URL links, social network info and texts, while another smartphone may access the data stored in the ring using near-field communications.

Mobility June 2015

41

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

42

SMART WOUND HEALING THROUGH ANDROID APP: IIT Kharagpur blends medical science with mobile technology Dr. Chandan Chakraborty, Associate Professor, Medical Science & Technology, IIT Kharagpur

U

ntreated wounds are a major threat to the public health and countries economy as they have detrimental effect on patient’s quality of life leading to depression and social separation. Expensive treatment and unavailability of good healthcare facilities in remote location of rural India leads to procrastination and hence aggravates the problems. Healing process is further retarded infinitely due to inaccuracy in assessment of the wound by clinicians, nurses or dermatologists. In India approximately one in every two hundred person suffers a chronic wound infection taking the shape of a silent epidemic.

Downsides of routine diag-

nostic techniques Presently, the parameters considered for quantitative analysis of such lesions are shape, perimeter, surface, depth, biological nature of the skin tissues, wound severity stage, burn degree using routine diagnostic techniques such as ruler based methods, transparency tracing, alginate casts. These methods leave a significant room for human error and inaccuracy in analysis. Effective diagnosis and treatment of the wounds relies largely on a precise identification and measurement of the wounded tissue; however,

ERRATA: In the May 2015 issue of Mobility, pgs 38-39, article titled: As KGPians take India to the WORLD (Karen 3.0 to enter for RoboSub 2015). The term in the parentheses as well as in the article should be read as KRAKEN 3.0 (instead of Karen 3.0). We regret this unintentional mistake/typo.

Mobility June 2015

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

in current clinical process, wound evaluation is based on subjective visual inspection and manual measurements which are often inaccurate. Poor circulation, often develop and enhances chronic wounds that are slow to heal and that require daily care. The wound healing rate is primarily quantified by the rate of change of the wound’s surface area.

Inexpensive and Easy-to-use Amalgamation of medical science with mobile technology presents a number of opportunities to bend the health care cost curve. In the span of two decades, ever-more sophisticated mobile technology has fundamentally been transforming the health care industry. Dr. Chandan Chakraborty (Associate Professor, Medical Science & Technology, IIT Kharagpur) and the mastermind behind this project says, ”Given the cost and inconvenience of regular visits to wound clinics and for pro-

Fig. I Diagram showing schematic representation of smart phone based wound area evaluation and progression monitoring

Fig. 2 Smart phone camera based wound images: (a) 1st column - all real time imaes of chronic skin wounds, (b) 2nd column: Binary images using image thresholding; (c) 3rd column - Final segmented wound areas obtained by using android based algorithms.

viding real-time care to remote and rural areas, we have developed first known image analysis tool that can complement to services rendered by wound clinics. Specifically this work presents a smart phone app (Android), which tracks/identifies the wound size and wound healing/management process based on images captured with a smart phone.”

This new mobile-based system is designed for fast and accurate segmentation and identification of wounds, both from the standpoint of improving health outcomes in wound-management, and in making clinical practice more efficient and costeffective. Satisfactory results of this real time mobile system suggest a promising tool to assist in the field of clinical wound 3 evaluation. The simplicity of the algorithm/ framework used suggests that it is a valuable tool in clinical wound evaluation.

For further information on the research please write to Dr Chandan Chakraborty (chandanc@ smst.iitkgp.ernet.in).

Mobility June 2015

43

REVIEw TREND SETTER

44

MINI PC Market is a New Trend in IT Space Small form factor PCs are now fast enough and last two, three or even five years for your family or business needs

C

omputing power continues to increase every year. While some computers use that power to its fullest, other small computers save space and also power. These small, compact desktop PCs are not as quick as their full-sized brethren, but they make up for that by taking up less space, a trait that’s valuable for those who often move or where space is costly or scarce.

Many compact computers are affordable and can serve as the key machines of a home or SoHo setup or even be conscripted into the role of home theater. There are, however, a few pricier models designed for enthusiasts. They offer performance on par with traditional desktops while remaining slim. Below you’ll find the best compact computers on the market.

ECS Announced Latest Mini PC – LIVA X

E

litegroup Computer System (ECS introduced the latest mini PC – LIVA X, a fan-less design, zero noise and power saving small-size computer. Adopting Intel Bay-Trail M SoC and 15W ultra-low power design; supports Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux, and Ubuntu operating systems. Moreover, it could upgrade to Windows 10 for free, once available. Meanwhile, LIVA X supports USB 3.0 port, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth wireless connection technology, and can upgrade storage capacity via mSATA SSD. Most importantly is the size of LIVA X ringing in at only half a liter!

LIVA X Mini PC brings a whole new PC experience to the world. Now as LIVA X is available with sweet spot price as per Indian market expectations.

SPECS

No noise thermal design: The LIVA X features no-noise thermal design, providing a real silent Mini-PC. Enjoy it without any noise.

Thanks to Intel new Bay Trail-M SoC 22nm processor. LIVA X features ultra-low power consumption, only 1/10 traditional desktop usage.

LIVA fits everywhere: The power of a 64-bit Dual core 2.25 GHz machine with 4GB DDR3, 64 GB eMMC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0 and mSATA. And it’s smaller than your mouse!

Thanks to the native VESA mount, you can place the LIVA X practically anywhere - behind displays, monitors and TVs. This doesn’t only save space, but it’s also the easiest way to create a ‘cable-free’ environment.

Windows 8.1 inside! With the anticipation and excitement to have Windows-Based Mini PC, LIVA X is proud to bring you the latest Windows 8.1 with BING oS (optional) to ensure you a pleasant user experience.

Mobility June 2015

LIVA X

Sunny yang, ECS General Manager “We believe that the concept of mini PC is a fast growing trend within the Indian tech-savvy community. Users who are at home and even at offices are looking for the most convenient way to enjoy video, music, gaming and of course business PC usage. The end users need PCs designed to provide the best possible video and audio, ensure extremely efficient power consumption, offer sufficient cooling, and maintain low noise levels. People want the true entertainment and stylish look in small size without compromising on performance for home and office.

trendsetter

The GIGABYTE BRIX

T

he GIGABYTE BRIX, an ultra-compact and versatile DIY PC kit, is now available in India. This unique form factor has managed to set a new standard for desktop PC miniaturization that makes it perfect as a discreet HTPC (Home Theatre PC) or multimedia hub, an ultra-low power PC for the family or even an office PC. The BRIX is small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, but in spite of its small size, it ensures a desirable combination of optimal CPU and GPU performance, peripheral connectivity options, power consumption, and of course, price.

The BRIX DIY PC kit comes with a pre-installed Wi-Fi Mini PCIe module, a power adapter and cable which comply with local standards. From there, the user has the liberty to configure his system to his specific needs by selecting his preferred system memory and digital storage option.

SPECS The BRIX models available in India support dual display functionality. While the Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processor based models support dual display through HDMI plus Mini Display Port Outputs, the Intel Celeron processorbased models do so via a VGA and an HDMI port. This makes it a very effective PC for home and office usage or in any quantum of commercial and industrial multi-display applications. Intel HD Graphics, equipped with the Intel HD 5500 graphics, the Core i3 and i5 versions of the BRIX system promise to deliver up to 20% more pixel-pushing performance than the previous generation. And with support for 4K Ultra HD video playback, this gives the user the power needed to enjoy more responsive videos and games.

gigabyte brix

Sunil Grewal, Director – Sales and MarCom, GIGABYTE “At a time when the HTPC concept is gaining popularity in India, the GIGABYTE BRIX comes as an attractive solution especially because it optimizes power consumption, while offering a lot of processing power and connectivity in a form factor that is small enough to be placed anywhere – whether on your desk or even within your home entertainment setup.”

ZOTAC

T

he RI323 offers an introductory path into the RAID architecture with two storage bays, the perfect mini PC for those looking for a storage solution with efficient networking in a compact form factor.

The RI531 series offers an unprecedented 3 storage drives within a small housing, equipped with a 5th gen Intel Broadwell Core i3 CPU to boost performance and efficiency further. With the right set-up, it has the potential to become your own personal cloud storage, NAS and more.

The RI531 series also come with PLUS version, which includes 4GB memory and 64GB mSATA SSD so you have complete freedom with the 2 additional slots for your RAID structure.

Highlights

ZOTAC ZBOX RI323 • CPU: Intel 2961Y processor • Intel HD Graphics • Display Output: HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2 (2560 x 1600 @60Hz) • Connectivity: Dual gigabit LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Storage: 2 x SATA HDD/SSD bays (RAID 0, 1 ready) ZOTAC ZBOX RI531 • CPU: Intel Core i3-5010U processor • Intel HD Graphics 5500 • Display Output: HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2 (3840 x 2160 @60Hz) • Connectivity: Dual gigabit LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Storage: 1 x mSATA slot, 2 x SATA HDD/SSD bays (RAID 0, 1 ready)

zbox r1323

Tony Wong CEO, ZOTAC International “This is certainly a breakthrough for both the mini PC and personal computing, we are adding more functions to elevate the mini PC to a whole new plane while keeping our signature space-saving design and power efficiency. This new addition to the mini PC family will open new doors to even more functionalities.”

Mobility June 2015

45

REVIEw TREND SETTER

46

NuPC The NuPC is an energy efficient, fully functional PC that not only fulfills the performance needs of the consumers but also fits into the palm of your hand. The sheer power of Intel NUC combined with Microsoft Windows 8.1 makes it an ideal PC platform for modern day business applications and consumer needs. The device covers the entire gamut of applications. From a home user to discerning enterprise users, the variants of NuPC meet the needs of both.

Low power consumption, small space requirement, industry standard components makes it possible to deploy NuPC in any demanding environment.

The NuPC is based on the Intel NUC which is an energy-efficient, fully functioning PC that not only fits your performance needs—it fits in the palm of your hand. The NUC can be used in kiosks or for digital signage displays and other spaces in which a small, well-featured computer is required and it makes a great unit for home and

NuPC

Rajeev bajpai, President WPG C&C Computers and Peripherals “We are delighted to collaborate with Intel and Microsoft to revolutionize the NUC market. Our NuPC, powered by the Intel Processor Family and Microsoft Windows will help us deliver high quality performance, bolstered by energy efficient computing and ease-of-use. The made in India NuPC, will fulfill the aspirations of Indian customers, who need the best of technology at a reasonable price and we hope to become the first choice when it comes to portable and compact personal computing.”

business computing as well. The NuPC takes up roughly 4x4-inch footprint on a desk (117x112mm and 35mm thick), and manages to pack a great configuration, allowing it to be used effectively for everyday office tasks and multimedia.

The launch of the NuPC marks an important milestone in working towards the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. WPG is working with Intel and Microsoft to drive form factor innovation by catering to consumer needs and enabling an empowered ecosystem of innovative devices which will cater to the growing computing needs of the new and fast developing India.

Rajiv bhalla - Director, Sales Intel South Asia “India finds itself at an exciting turn, especially within the broader context of ‘Digital India’ vision.

As the country aligns itself with the government’s technology vision, ‘Make in India’ will play a vital role. We are excited to embark on this journey with WPG along with the support of Microsoft to strengthen our commitment towards empowering India with technology. We will continue to work with local OEMs, ODMs and the ecosystem to bring relevant technology to the market across price points and innovative form factors.”

Vineet durani, Director – Windows Business at Microsoft Corporation India “Companies today are looking at deploying various technology solutions that help them grow in the most efficient and cost-effective way. To meet these requirements, Microsoft is focusing its efforts on providing devices that help business and consumers achieve more as well as add to their productivity quotient at affordable price points, without compromising on quality and style. The launch of the Windows-based NuPC is another step towards a great computing experience for small businesses and consumers in India. We will continue to launch more such devices and drive affordable personal computing.”

Mobility June 2015

advertorial

Celkon is all set to establish itself as a Premium Brand in Haryana

I

n the early 2015, Celkon Mobiles, a Telengana-based mobile handset provider, launched their smartphones and feature phones in the Haryana state through their Partner, SPG Global Distribution Pvt Ltd. Supported by aggressive and methodical promotion and marketing schemes, Celkon is set to establish itself as premium brand in Haryana before expanding to other areas in North India. Some prominent distributor in Haryana speak out their comments about Celkon brand, market feedback on the brand and their future wishes and plans.

“We started in 2007. We are dealing with Trio and Celkon brands. As far as Celkon is concerned, response from the market has been good but more promotion and branding are needed to move the products. Service network is needed in Palwal and Mewat. Teamwork and backend support from SPG Global Distribution Pvt Ltd have been excellent. CELKON’s marketing and incentive schemes are good. Celkon’s Smartphone Models Q54+ and Q519 and Feature Phone Models C604 and C5+ are getting good response in the market. We along with SPG are aggressively working to establish Celkon in Haryana.”

Goyal Mobile & Computer World, Faridabad

Mr. Yogesh Goyal

Mr Girish Goyal

“We started our company this year only. At present, we are dealing with Celkon, Trio and Panasonic brands. We started dealing with Celkon 4 months back. So far, feedback has been good. Celkon have very vast product portfolio of smart phones and many new models having good memory space of 1GB & 2GB. Support from SPG Global Distribution Pvt Ltd’s sales and backend teams have been very encouraging. Company’s marketing and incentives schemes are also very motivating. Customers are showing good interest in Celkon’s Smartphone Models Q54+ and Q519 and Feature Phone Models C604, C5+, C342 & C335. We are feeling proud to associate with CELKON and SPG family and we

Mr. Manoj

Noor Enterprises, Sirsa are confident that Celkon will soon establish as s big brand in Haryana.”

“We started our company in Feb 2015. We are currently dealing only with Celkon brand. So far the customer response for Celkon brand and the service support of Celkon have been good. Celkon’s Smartphone Models Q54+, Q519, Q 42, Q 550, OCTA 510, A 518 and Feature Phone Models C604, C5+, CHARM HERO, CHARM ONE seem to be moving well in the market. Support from SPG Global’s sales and backend teams and management are very satisfactory. We are happy to hear the news that AB De Villiers, Captain of Cricket team of South Africa, is going to become brand ambassador for CELKON. We are happy to learn that Celkon will be aggressively undertaking more marketing activity like events, cricket sponsorships, new product launches, press coverages, etc. It is great to know that Celkon has started their own manufacturing unit in Telangana in June 2015.

We are very confident that Celkon will become No. 1 in Haryana soon and also in India in course of time.”

Mr. Rammehar Panchal, Om Traders, Karnal

Mobility June 2015

47

FEATURED

48

Video Surveillance Systems

under Attack: HoW HACKERS CoULD MoDIFY VIDEo FEEDS IN MISCoNFIGURED CITY CCTV SYSTEMS

S

ecurity examination of a working city video surveillance system by Kaspersky Lab has revealed that networks designed to help protect people from criminals and terrorists could be misused by a third party exploiting system configuration flaws.

It is no secret that police departments and governments have been monitoring city streets for years, with security cameras proving invaluable in crime investigation and prevention.

However, as a result of research conducted by Kaspersky Lab researcher Vasilios Hioureas and his fellow researcher Thomas Kinsey from Exigent Systems Inc., these systems could also be used in a harmful way.

Mobility June 2015

FEATURED

As part of their research, the authors examined the security video surveillance network in one city.

Surveillance cameras were connected via a mesh network – a type of network in which nodes are connected with each other and serve as stepping stones for data (video feed in this particular case) on its way from a node to the control center. Instead of using a Wi-Fi hotspot or wired connection, nodes in such networks simply transmit data to the closest node which transmits it further through other nodes right to the command center.

Should an intruder connect to just a single node in the network, they will be able to manipulate the data transmitted through it.

Mesh-network based video surveillance systems are, in general, an inexpensive alternative to surveillance systems which require either multiple hotspots throughout a city, or miles of wires. But the security of such networks is heavily dependent on how the whole network is set up. In the case investigated by the researchers, the network of cameras used no encryption at all. After purchasing equipment similar to that used in the city, Kaspersky Lab researchers discovered that sufficient encryption tools are provided, but they were not being used correctly in this case. As a result, clear text data was being sent though the network and made freely available to any observer who joined.

The researchers quickly realized that creating their own version of the software used in the network would be enough to manipulate the data traveling across it. After recreating the network and software in the lab, they were able to intercept the video feeds from any node and also modify them e.g. exchange the real video from the camera with a fake one.

The researchers shared their findings with the company that had set up the surveillance network in the city last summer. Since then, the necessary changes have been made to the vulnerable network.

“We undertook this research to highlight that cybersecurity also affects physical security systems, especially critical public systems like video surveil-

lance. When building a smart city, it is extremely important to not only think about the comfort, energy and cost efficiency that the new technologies will bring, but also about the cybersecurity issues that might arise.

Although the findings of this research were presented last august we have reasons to believe that its findings are still useful for city authorities that are planning to implement mesh-network based surveillance systems or implemented it already,” – said Vasilios Hioureas, Junior Malware Analyst at Kaspersky Lab and a co-author of the research.

In order to avoid the security vulnerabilities associated with mesh-networks, Kaspersky Lab recommends the following measures: *

Although still potentially hackable, Wi-Fi Protected Access with a strong password is the minimum requirement needed to stop the system from being an easy target.

*

Hidden SSID (public names of a wireless network) and MAC filtering (that allows users to define a list of allowed devices on the Wi-Fi network) will also weed out unskilled hackers.

*

Make sure that all labels on equipment are concealed and enclosed to deter attackers who do not have insider information.

*

Securing video data using public-key cryptography will make it almost impossible to manipulate video data.

The research was originally presented at DefCon 2014. It has been published as part of Kaspersky Lab’s contribution to the knowledge base of Securing Smart Cities – a global not-for-profit initiative that aims to solve the existing and future cybersecurity problems of smart cities through collaboration between companies, governments, media outlets, not-for-profit initiatives and individuals across the world.

Mobility June 2015

49

50

Made in Apps India apps

Some cool photo apps to help you get the job done right all the time PicSay – Photo Editor It is among the most popular app that offers the basic features with the free version. But if you download the paid version, you get additional content like more filters and more actual features like pressure-sensitive drawing, removing red-eye, and others.

Photo Editor Pro Photo Editor Pro is a solid photo editor, it features a one-touch enhance feature, filters, frames, and the basic photo improvement tools like color balance, crop, and rotate. Good for who want simple and don’t want advanced editing tools.

Cupslice Photo Editor Cupslice is a photo editor with a little more tact and polish, even if the features aren’t as heavy as some of these others. It comes with over 50 effects to start along with your basic editing tools. It also includes a number of stickers you can add to photos and that number gets updated every week. It’s a nice, simple app that should suit the needs of most people.

SnapSeed While the photos app on Google+ has its own small editor, Snapseed is owned by Google and it is, without question, a whole lot better than the Google+ photos app. With this app you can auto-tune and auto-correct images quickly if need be.

There are also the standard filters, adjustment features, and frames.

Autodesk Pixlr Autodesk Pixlr is a highly rated and popular photo editor app and has a host of editing options including red-eye removal, a whiten teeth option, a one-click enhance tool, borders, filters, and you can even preview effects using the Pixlr Live feature.

Adobe Lightroom mobile Adobe recently released their iconic Lightroom application to Android. It allows for editing of RAW image format and the ability to enhance photos with a range of presets and tools. The app is a 30-day trial but those who have a Creative Cloud subscription can keep using it after the trial. You can also sync with desktop versions of Lightroom.

Mobility June 2015

viewpoint

ProDot Launches Special Incentive Program for Partners P

roDot is the brand of Datalink Industrial Corporation which is a prominent IT company manufacturing a wide range of IT consumables, computer accessories and printer supplies. ProDot has pan-India network of distributors and resellers. ProDot charted a remarkable growth trajectory in the IT industry.

ProDot has two software security programs: Antivirus Products – PAV (ProDot Antivirus) and PMS (ProDot Maximum Security).

ProDot Maximum Security is most trusted antivirus software working ‘behind the screen’ with best defense mechanism. The top and best antivirus assures comprehensive security solutions that stops unwanted virus threats, malware attacks and malicious traffic before it strikes. The main utilitiest of our product are Parental Controls, System Cleaner, File Shredder, Duplicate File

Finder, Task Manager, Virtual Keyboard, Password Manager, Start-up Manager, Rescue Disk, etc

ProDot’s Premium Partner Incentive Program

“We are glad to announce the launch of Premium/Associate Partner Incentive Program. The two parties, our company and our associated partner will work together in good faith to make sure there is incremental business. They introduce strong and aggressive business plans to expand the channel across India.

ProDot continues to strive towards creating value and benefits for its partners. The company announced expanded distribution plan for antivirus across India. Because of this program, everyone would be able to access ProDot security products at nearby locations.” – ProdDot’s Spokesperson.

Comments of Associate Partners and Premium Partners (new appointments) Amit Jain, M/s Vardhmaan “We have recently joined ProDot for antivirus division with the vision to deliver reliable software security products to clients without making any compromise on quality standards. Our mission is to become most prominent dealer across India for genuine and affordable IT consumable goods, and antivirus products.”

Kumar, M/s Digital Computer (Jalandhar) “We have joined ProDot for antivirus division and it is really a matter of proud for us working for such a prominent brand as associate partner. We are dealing only with prominent brands that enable us to deliver reliable products to our clients.

ProDot has given us a new hope to expand our wings more aggressively in antivirus market.”

Tarun, M/s Kumar Techno “Owning to rich industry experience, our vision is to expand our product line and to market the most innovative products with best specs and functionalities. This is the reason we have joined ProDot as associate partner. This helps us to provide powerful antivirus products to the endusers at rock bottom prices.”

Paras, Divine Computer (Jalandhar) “Our dedicated services and efforts enable us to deliver satisfactory performance and our clients are always happy with us. Recently, we have joined ProDot as an associate partner for antivirus division. We are aiming towards delivering the ProDot products, which are best of their class, to clients and to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.”

Aditya M/s Anand Sales Corporation “We are working with the motto of satisfying customers through focused work approach and reliable products. We have joined ProDot under Premium Partner incentive program to expand our reach in antivirus market more aggressively. ProDot gives us an opportunity to create satisfied customer-base with its vast product range and excellent level of services.

Top Performers in Antivirus Varun, M/s Varun computers “We are proud to make our association with ProDot. Their sales team is highly cooperative and well organized. The continuous efforts and quality level of services offered by ProDot has truly impressed us. I would like to thank ProDot Group team and look forward to being a partner for many years to come.”

Sanjeev, M/s Next Zen Computers “We have recently started working with ProDot under Premium Partner incentive program and our relations are so strong that we want to continue for many years to come. I wish to express my appreciation for quality of services that have been extended to me throughout this incentive program.

Valued IT Partner!!”

Kamal, M/s Aastha Marketing (New Delhi) “Succeeding in local manufacturing in such a short time span is not easy.

ProDot has achieved that success and their associated partners too. We started working with ProDot based on competitive proposals, skilled sales force, ability to deliver schedule and pre-constructed services to manage our budget.”

Mobility June 2015

51

MadeREVIEWS in India

52

NEVER RuN ouT of bATTERy ChARGE

S

ustaining battery charge for one whole day is a challenge that all smartphone owners face. Due to the large number of software applications, videos, audios, etc that are used, the battery power gets drained easily. A mobile or a tablet with low battery power can become big limitation for a smartphone user. You may miss an important call or not be able to get in touch with people when you need to. To avoid this problem, all you need is a power bank that has been charged to its maximum capacity. So now the question is how big an external battery pack do you need to buy?

Best way to figure it out is to search for the capacity – measured in mAh – of the devices you tend to travel with and then add up the numbers to see the total amount of juice you’d need to fully charge each device once.

There are hundreds of different models you can buy from the market, but choosing the best among those can be a headache. Here are some top power banks with 10,000 mAh+ from some well known smartphone vendors.

ZENPOWER

A

sus recently made its ZenPower portable charger available to buy in India via Asus exclusive stores and e-commerce website Flipkart. The firm launched its ZenPower power bank during the launch of Asus ZenFone 2 smartphone series in India recently. As for the pricing, the ZenPower’s silver, pink, blue and gold color variants are priced at INR 1499, while the black color variant is priced at INR 1599. The portable charger is rated to charge smartphones with battery capacity of 1500mAh, 2000mAh, 2500mAh and 3000mAh, up to 4 times, 3 times, 2.5 times and 2 times, respectively. The device can also charge tablets with battery capacity of 4000mAh, 4500mAh and 5000mAh up to 1.5 times, 1.2 times and 1.1 times. It has an input power of DC 5V 2.0A and output power of DC 5.1V 2.4A. The power bank measures 90.5x59x22mm and weighs 215 grams.

Mobility June 2015

REVIEWS

kARboNN PoLYMER 10 PoWER BANK (10000mAh)

K

arbonn has forayed into accessory space with the launch of a series of new power banks. This power bank has two ports which can output 1.5 amps and 2.1 amp currents. The power bank lists dual power mode, LCD indicator and 6 month warranty.

It is available exclusively on Snapdeal.com for INR 1640.

lENoVo PB13000

L

enovo has launched a PB13000 13000mAh power bank in India to stay in competition with other smartphone manufacturer brands out there. Made out of polycarbonate material, it has two USB ports each of 5V/2.1A output. It weighs 0.28 kg and measures 63.7mm in width. The 13000mAh is currently available exclusively on Amazon India at INR 1699.

XIAoMI 16000MAH MI PoWER BANK

S

imilar to previous Mi power banks, the new chargers will spot an aluminum case. The new 16,000mAh Mi power bank will include dual USB ports featuring Li-ion battery cells measures 145Ă—60.4Ă—22mm and weighs 350 grams and delivers a conversion rate of up to 93%. Available at INR 1399 via Mi.com website

Mobility June 2015

53

54

in India AppMade personality

“We provide localized gaming content which is a big hit among India gamers�

Ankush Gera CEO, Junglee Games

How did you start? What were the key objectives behind it?

We saw a deep hole in the Indian gaming landscape. Gamers in India don’t have sufficient high quality localized content. We felt that if we could offer the right content to gamers, that will change their whole gaming experience. This is the bet we made and fortunately at that time my software business based in the Bay area was fairly successful and stable. So Junglee became the next 5-10 year bet. The goal was and remains simple: provide high quality localized games to Indian users worldwide.

How online gaming industry is growing in India?

The Indian gaming industry is still at a nascent stage and is expected to grow to $500M by 2018 riding on the explosive growth of mobile phones and improved infrastructure. The growth is primarily driven by availability of low cost 3G enabled devices and the competitive 3G costs.

What are the challenges and opportunities in this segment?

Payment processing, lack of operator billing, lack of localized content are major challenges faced in the current scenario. COD still accounts for a decent percentage of the transactions for ecommerce players in India. Besides rail and air tickets,

Mobility June 2015

Indian consumers are still uncomfortable in using credit cards, debit cards and net banking for online transactions. Since mobile has been leading the growth of this industry, operator billing would make huge sense if implemented correctly. There is a lot of scope for companies who can introduce one click payment in India. Localized content too is an area to look out for.

What kind of games are more engaging in social media and online platform?

Most of the popular games are casino and strategy. Next up are sports and puzzle based games.

Augmented reality, event based, educational and location based games also work well.

How to monetize through these games?

Freemium model where a small percentage of users buy virtual currency to buy in-app goodies and ads.

What are your plans for 2015-16?

We plan to launch more localized content in the current financial year. We are in the process of acquiring IP partnerships which will be used as the core theme for some of our new games. In addition, we want to launch games that drive positive social impact across India.

Date of Pub: 22nd June 2015 | Postal Dt.: 27th & 28th of same Month/ Posted at NDPSO

R.N.I. No. DELENG/2004/14198

Postal Reg. No.: DL(S)-01/3442/2013-15