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Your gateway to the world of mobility
vivo
five years in india
Tested
vivo U20, ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581), Infinix S5 and many more... @MyMobileMag
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Editorpage
firstcall
A
s vivo completes five glorious years in India we moved across the alleys of path travelled till now by this global smartphone brand. vivo which means
EDITORI A L
‘life’ has turned around the fortunes for itself by
Pankaj Mohindroo |
occupying the hearts of around 17 per cent young
Haider Ali Khan | Deputy Editor
Indian population. The numbers speak for itself. These are not just numbers but a confirmation to the brand’s identity and its acceptability that it now conveniently fits into the minds of millennial. vivo has achieved this through rigorous amount of investment in R&D to break several technological barriers which would not have been possible otherwise. Investment that speaks for itself when you see the giant manufacturing facility at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh employing more than 10,000 people
Editor-in-Chief
Ramesh Kumar Raja | Assistant Editor Vivek Singh Chauhan | Correspondent Pahi Mehra | Correspondent
DE S I G N Ajit Kumar Parashar | Sr. Graphic Designer
directly and manifold indirectly. With a capacity to produce more than 33 million handsets annually, vivo is now challenging other incumbents to follow or perish. vivo India is as new as Make in India initiative. Both made their way in India at almost similar time when Narendra Modi-led NDA government took over
M A R K ETIN G Puja Mohindroo | Manager - Business Sandeep Kumar | Sr. Manager – Marketing
in 2014. He is the man who coined this term, ‘Make In India’ to promote manufacturing within India thus to increase employment opportunities and cut on imports. vivo, at nascent stage in 2014 got this huge boost to establish its footprint in India and rest in history as we all know.
O P ER A TION S Deepak Kohli | Sr. Manager – Accounts
It’s not merely the marketing steps that have helped vivo to establish itself as a key dominant player in Indian smartphone market. Cricket and Bollywood may not be able to drive the numbers for you if you do not have it in your smartphones. These are secondary to innovations which any one has to
CIRC U L A TION B. G. Mathur | Manager- Production & Circulation
offer primarily. You sell a product not promises! vivo smartphones have been a champion in bringing new innovations, design and concepts to the smartphone world.
A D V I S OR Y BO A RD
What stands apart for vivo from other smartphone vendor is that it has its own
Bejon Misra
manufacturing units located very close to the heart of India which helps in
Rajan Mathews
cutting time to the market and thus ensure easy availability of smartphones
S.D. Saxena
when required. It has talent and aspiration to be among the leading
Subhash Chandra
innovations providers to Indians in smartphone and mobility. With neck-to-
Sunil Dutt
neck competition and wafer-thin margin vivo has managed to be among top
Sonu Bhasin
three smartphone brands in India. From camera and music, vivo has come a
Uvaraj Natarajan
long way in these five years to proudly claim, “Love India, Love vivo”! Having said that, we now move into the last month of 2019, and concludes
G ET IN TO U CH
with our special feature on the smartphones and brands that dominated this
Editorial : haider@mymobile.co.in
eventful year. With my team, I wish and hope it to continue in 2020 adding
Marketing : sandeep@mymobile.co.in
new innovations and concepts to reality.
Circulation : bgmathur@mymobile.co.in Phone : 011—46206161 Fax : 011—41520637
Happy Reading! n Edited, published, printed and owned by Pankaj Mohindroo, Published from 203, Kanchenjunga Building | 18, Barakhamba Road | Connaught Place | New Delhi-110001. Printed at HT Media Ltd. Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201306
Pankaj Mohindroo editor-in-chief
Follow Us: Facebook facebook.com/mymobilemag Twitter twitter.com/MyMobileMag
04 | december 2019
The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and the views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.
Volume XIV, Issue XI, December 2019
MYMOBILE
contents
20
30
46 24 Style Notes 10 letters 11 Newsbits
CEO, Route Mobile
Everyone Must Get Ready for
42
in 2020
Rahul Pandey – Managing
Director, UTStarcom India
48
Amlan Bhattacharjya –
Founder and CEO, Brand Eyes
19 Just In Get a close look at new
60
smartphones now in the
72
market
20 Lead Story vivo Completes Five Glorious Years In India
Face to Face 27 Manvendra K Chandola – CEO, Riversong India
28
Green, Chang-Ching-Lin –
Karl Peter Kilb III - CEO,
Boloro Global Shankar S (Director) & Josh
Jacobson (Senior Director) – Product Management,
76
Rohan Verma – CEO and
Executive Director, MapmyIndia
Feature 30
Smartphones, brands that
ruled the Indian audience in 2019
38
36
06 | december 2019
44
Signs of Recovery in Global
Smartphone Market
46
A Record-High in India
Smartphone Shipments
68
India PC Market Still Going
Strong
Yahoo Mail
Regional Marketing Head, MSI Rajdip Gupta - MD and Group
Market Insight
5 Biggest Technology Trends
Burn Test 50 vivo U20
52 Infinix S5 54 EVM EnAble + Power Bank 55 CLAW G9 56 ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581)
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What's Inside
contents Apptastic 63
By Invitation 66 Online Appearance Crucial in
VMate Yahoo Mail (Reimagined)
106
WPS Office 2020
107
Jai Sharma, Founder, Jai
83 My Guide The most comprehensive
Sharma Solutions
feature and price list of
Today's Market Space –
105
CamScanner
70
Mobile Apps Revolutionising
HR Practices in Today’s Workplaces – Udit Agarwal,
Consumer Insight 64
Why Music Makes Us Feel,
According to AI
78
Censorship for Streaming
Platforms
79
Binge-Watching Up 23% in
India
83
Founder and CEO, Legistify
mobile devices
108 Add Ons
Founder and CEO, TrackOlap
The latest and the best of
75
earphones and Bluetooth
Live Streaming Overshadowed
gadgets and accessories, from
Social Media Landscape in
speakers to mobile chargers
2019 – Puneet Sharma, a
and power banks
brand strategist and communications consultant
80
Technology making legal
122 Vantage Point LOVE versus MILK is OVER
system/services accessible,
now – Faisal Kawoosa,
efficient, transparent and
Founder and Chief Analyst,
affordable – Akshat Singhal,
techARC
78
68 79
64
Total number of pages = 124
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Motorola brings back ‘Razr’ as new foldable smartphone
extended to both sides, making the display wider, according to reports. The device seemed a lot more like an e-reader than a smartphone. LG is also working on a smartphone with a rollable display. As per the sketches of the device, the display is so large that it can be rolled up twice around the device’s housing, and one would be able to roll it out as much as they want. Xiaomi patents a phone with secondary rear display, quad cameras
Lenovo-owned Motorola has unveiled a new flippable smartphone that marked a generation – Razr. The new Motorola Razr is the first-ever clamshell-style flexible display smartphone that folds completely, bringing an instantly familiar yet totally unique, mobile consumer experience. The smartphone sports a 6.2-inch Flex View display with 21:9 aspect ratio. On the device’s external 2.7-inch interactive Quick View display, users can connect with important information on the go. In the US, the device will be available exclusively on Verizon with pre-order starting on December 26, 2019, for $62.49 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment. It will be available in store starting in January 2020 at Verizon and select Walmart locations, as well as on motorola.com. The new Motorola Razr will also be on pre-order in select markets across Europe starting in December. Razr will also be available in Latin America, Asia and Australia. LG patents handset with extendable display
Realme set to disrupt premium segment China’s Xiaomi has patented a new dualdisplay smartphone with quad rear cameras setup. According to the patent, the primary display is like any other phone with ultraslim bezels and earpiece up top. Meanwhile, the secondary display on the new Xiaomipatented phone is as small in size as the quad-camera housing on the back. As per reports, the secondary display will most likely show caller ID and notification alerts when the phone is placed face down. Additionally, there is no selfie camera on the front which suggests the secondary display might serve as a view-finder well to click selfies with the rear cameras. Recently, the company patented a foldable smartphone with a five pop-up camera setup. TikTok owner unveils its first smartphone Chinese company ByteDance that owns TikTok has finally introduced its longrumoured smartphone named Nut Pro 3 under the Smartisan brand in China. The device is up for sale in China for 2,899
South Korean electronics major LG has patented a new handset with extendable display that doubles the screen surface. The patent has been registered with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) and was published recently with some sketches. The phone looks like a standard smartphone, but the screen can be
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yuan or $412. The device, also known as Jianguo Pro 3, was developed in tandem with smartphone makers, Smartisan, and retains the same name as Smartisan’s current line of devices. ByteDance acquired a bunch of Smartisan patents and talent. ByteDance then helped make the Jianguo Pro 3 and packed it with branded features. Apparently, it didn’t decide to change the naming scheme. The new device lets users access Douyin -- the Chinese version of TikTok -- just by swiping up on the lock screen. Meanwhile, the Nut Pro 3 smartphone runs Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and has four rear sensors, including a 48MP camera and is powered by a 4,000mAh battery. The smartphone has up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
What’s Up
newsbits
Making its entry into India’s premium segment with the launch of X2 Pro to take on the likes of OnePlus, Samsung and Apple, Chinese brand Realme is now claiming to disrupt the segment with a slew of premium phones. It is also planning to launch an exclusive offline smartphone series in the first quarter of 2020. The devices will focus on battery and camera. “We wanted to change the definition of the premium segment. It is not about pricing but giving experience. We are offering all features from the latest chipset to the fastest charging. We will keep on expanding the portfolio. It is just an entry and we have many more devices to come,” Madhav Sheth, India CEO, said recently. Besides, Realme has increased its focus on offline expansion and is aiming to increase its offline touchpoints from 7000 to 35000 by 2020 calendar year-end. “Offline is about the experience, but it is not limited to premium phones,” Sheth said. Oppo developing its own chipset Taking a cue from Huawei and Samsung
December 2019 | 11
What’s Up
newsbits who make their own processors, Chinese handset maker Oppo is now working to release its proprietary mobile chipset. The
processor will be reportedly used to drive future Oppo models. According to a trademark filed in EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office), Oppo’s chip will be called Oppo M1. According to reports quoting people familiar with the matter, Oppo has hired engineers from Speadtrum as well as MediaTek to work on the M1 chip. Oppo is also working to offer 5G services on all smartphones in 2020 that can cost more than $420, which is roughly Rs 30,000. Meanwhile, the Chinese smartphone maker is looking to make India a global export hub. 88% Indians use mobiles for online payment
Around 88 per cent Indian consumers use mobile devices for online payment, according to a joint report by PayPal and IPSOS. The report further said that bill payments and fashion are the key sectors where app purchases take place and over half the volume of online sales is made through in-app purchases. Around 51 per cent of online sales volume has been made via in-app purchases, it added. “88 per cent of the surveyed Indians use a mobile device to make payments, way above the global average of 71 per cent,” the report said recently. The report is part of a global survey carried out during 23 July and 25 August, 2019. ‘PayPal the IPSOS mCommerce Report’ also said that 81 per cent of the merchants in India are optimised to accept mobile payments to meet the growing demand and responding
12 | december 2019
to consumer preferences, against the global average of 63 per cent merchants. OnMobile partners Gionee to build, manage mobile entertainment Bengaluru-based mobile entertainment company OnMobile Global has joined hands with Jaina Group-owned Gionee brand to launch products such as contest platform, games, themes, tones, and videos. The sole purpose of its mobile entertainment platform is to increase engagement for the user and generate incremental revenue for Gionee. “Our partnership with Gionee to build and manage its mobile entertainment ecosystem is a reflection of the trust and credibility we have built over the years in
India,” said Sanjay Bhambri, President and CEO, OnMobile. Besides interesting and contextual topics for contest, it will also offer mobile game subscription services, high-definition tones and video streaming solutions. 15% of the overall revenue generated from the contest services will be invested in gratification to drive engagement, OnMobile claimed. Google buys Fitbit for $2.1 Bn Google has acquired the US wearable device maker Fitbit Inc at a fully diluted equity value of USD 2.1 billion. Google paid USD 7.35 per share to Fitbit for the
OS platform, the company can build better smartwatches and fitness trackers in the Android ecosystem. The new fitness trackers could incorporate better integration with smartphones using Google’s Fit apps as well. Builder Now brings app ideas to life in minutes
App building platform Builder.ai has launched an instant prototyping tool that helps anyone take their first step in designing an app and making their business idea a reality in as little as 10 minutes. The tool, called Builder Now, went live on November 21 at the world’s leading start-up event, Slush in Helsinki. Builder Now lets people explore ideas and show how they can work, before investing time and money into development. It’s fast, free, and trims out hours of specification writing and meetings, by letting you try rather than talk about user journeys. Builder CEO and Co-founder Sachin Dev Duggal, said, “Thousands of people have had an idea for a softwarebased business, or for tailor-made software for their business, but don’t know where to start. At Builder, we want to make it as easy as possible for anyone with an idea in their head to take it to the next level. Builder Now is a game changer in the software development industry.” Likee teams up with Indus App Bazaar to expand reach Popular short video platform Likee has collaborated with Indus App Bazaar to expand its reach in the Indian markets.
deal. With this, Google is all set to add a new set of devices in its series of hardware products. Google in a blog post announced: “The company will be adding the wearables to its “strong foundation” of products including Pixel smartphones, Pixelbook, Nest family of devices and others.” Buying Fitbit is an advantage to Google as it is an already successful brand and with its Wear
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Likee is now available on Indus App Bazaar for free download and usage. Indus App Bazaar currently caters to 60 million users every day and is a preferred app store among Indians who like to discover and consume digital content in their local or regional languages. As partners, both Likee and App Bazaar aim to achieve mutual objectives of content localization, enhancing user-experience with easy-touse apps and encouraging diversity. Likee is a highly-interactive short-video creation app, and the diverse content in local languages on the platform further improves the user experience. With this partnership, Likee aims to invite more users to create content in the language of their choice, share their life moments in engaging video formats and connect with like-minded people. Facebook rolls out meme-making app named ‘Whale’
Social media major Facebook has released a new meme-making app – Whale – that is currently available on the Canadian App Store. Its listing says it can be used to edit your own photos or images from a library of stock photos. You can then share your creations on social media platforms such as Instagram and Messenger. The app’s listing confirms that it’s been developed by Facebook’s New Product Experimentation (NPE) team, which was set up earlier this year to develop new experimental apps for the social media giant. At the time, Facebook said it was using the separate brand name to set the expectation that its apps could change rapidly, or even shut down if the company finds that they’re not useful for people. NPE is also credited with releasing two other apps called Bump and Aux. These apps are intended to help the company discover new features and services that people like. Digital Mall of Asia raises Rs 22 crore funding Virtual e-commerce platform Digital Mall of Asia (DMA), which is designed to offer
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immersive shopping experiences to consumers, raised Rs 22 crore in a fresh funding round recently. The investment
was made by real estate investor Satish Jain through his company Amour Infrastructure. DMA will use the funds to scale up product development and branding initiatives, thus creating largescale awareness about its key offerings followed by an upcoming launch in the Indian e-commerce space. An initiative by Yokeasia Malls, DMA is set to go live in January 2020. It is a mix of ‘digital malls’ and ‘digital shops’ that aims to offer a virtual mall environment to consumers while providing a safe investment and selling platform to retailers and vendors across India. To operate on DMA, vendors and retailers will be required to rent a shop in their desired city, tower, and floor. The new-age virtual mall will run on a zerocommission model, which means retailers will only be required to pay a fixed monthly rent of as low as Rs 10,000 as compared to other e-commerce portals that also charge a commission in addition to rent. Infotainment platform Hungama Kids launched
Digital entertainment company Hungama recently launched Hungama Kids, a platform for kids, parents and teachers to access content created and curated specifically for them. The destination will provide a comprehensive learning experience for children of all age-groups, teachers and parents by offering relevant and targeted content across diverse academic and parental topics. Hungama Kids’ library consists of over 500 videos in English and Hindi with new content added every day to ensure age-appropriate
entertainment with ample academic opportunities. The app provides a userfriendly interface with separate sections for kids and parents. The content is further categorized to suit the different needs of the diverse target audience – toddlers, school-going children, pre-adolescents and adolescents. Users get access to a universe of academic topics such as language practice, general knowledge, science, maths, social sciences and career guidance. This is in addition to infotainment videos covering nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, poems and more.
What’s Up
newsbits
Hike brings HikeMoji avatars in 9 languages for hyperlocal communication
Homegrown messaging platform Hike has launched HikeMoji, personalised avatars, for users to bring their funnest, most expressive selves online with over 1000+ hairstyles, facial features, bindis, local clothing, nose pins and more. To start with, users also get 100+ exclusive stickers of their HikeMoji in any of the 7 regional languages available in addition to English and Hindi. With this, HikeMoji becomes the first and only made in India hyperlocal avatar that is customizable with local components and languages. Once on the Hike Sticker Chat app, users can take a selfie that then gets converted into a base HikeMoji on top of which users can begin to customize their HikeMoji. Users can create their own HikeMoji and access exclusive HikeMoji Stickers of themselves on Hike Sticker Chat app available for download on Google Play and App Store. Oppo, Ericsson to strengthen 5G collaboration with joint lab Chinese smartphone maker Oppo has announced the launch of a 5G joint laboratory with Swedish technology major Ericsson which will serve to deepen the two companies’ collaboration in the area of 5G. Through the new lab, Oppo and Ericsson will also promote global collaboration, share with each other cutting-edge 5G
December 2019 | 13
What’s Up
newsbits technologies and help optimize 5G products and network performance to accelerate the large-scale deployment of 5G globally. Oppo and Ericsson have been
process. “The resolution of Reliance Communications Ltd is now imminent under the NCLT process. In light of these developments, I hereby tender my resignation as director of Reliance Communications Ltd, with immediate effect. Let me take this opportunity to thank all the directors for their longstanding support.” Sony to set up R&D centre in Bengaluru Japanese tech giant Sony recently announced setting up of a R&D center in India to tap into the country’s sizeable pool
working closely to contribute to the evolution of 5G technologies and have also signed a global patent license agreement, laying a solid foundation for their ongoing, in-depth collaboration in the 5G era. Since the third quarter of 2018, the two partners have been running joint 5G tests on Oppo’s 5G handset and Ericsson’s 5G infrastructure with local operator partners in Sweden, Germany and China as part of an effort to accelerate the commercial availability of 5G products. Anil Ambani quits as Chairman of bankrupt RCom
Beleaguered tycoon Anil Ambani has resigned as director of the bankrupt Reliance Communications (RComm), thus ceasing to be the chairman of the mobile phone company he had led since 2006. “Reliance Communications has been admitted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code since May 15, 2018. The resolution professional has been in control of the company and the board has been superseded,” Ambani said in his resignation letter dated November 15 to the board of directors of RCom and to Ashish Nanavaty, the resolution professional from Deloitte running the telco’s insolvency
14 | december 2019
of talent, with plans for multiple sites. The first centre in the country will be opened in Bengaluru by 2020 becoming one of the seven Sony’s global research centres. The brand in a statement said that it looks to expand the diversity of its global R&D operations and this move will strengthen its research and development capabilities in India as it seeks to promote research activities and foster the growth of a diverse pool of engineering talent. Sony in May 2019 had announced its exit from the mobile segment as it faced stiff competition from Chinese brands resulting in sharp decline of its handset sales while assuring that its customer services will be available for the existing customers. Trai mandates minimum call ringer duration of 30 seconds The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has mandated a minimum ring duration of
30 seconds for outgoing mobile calls before they are disconnected, and 60 seconds for such calls to landlines, a view that was backed by the older operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea but
opposed by Reliance Jio, which wanted a shorter span of 15-to-20 seconds. The Trai regulation, issued recently, though has mandated the terminating or “destination network” to initiate the “force release” or call disconnection process after the specified minimum ring span, and not the originating network. This is since it feels “the terminating network is in the best position to determine the no-answer condition”. Accordingly, the telecom regulator has mandated the terminating network to disconnect the incoming call -- in this case -- after the minimum ring span and simultaneously inform the originating network. But in the event, the originating network does not receive the message, it can disconnect the call from its end after 90 seconds. Web inventor Berners-Lee launches plan to stop internet abuse World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee
recently unveiled a “Contract for the Web” to halt “misuse” by governments, companies and individuals, bringing several capitals and tech titans like Google aboard. “If we don’t act now -- and act together -- to prevent the web being misused by those who want to exploit, divide and undermine, we are at risk of squandering” its potential for good, Berners-Lee said in a statement from his World Wide Web Foundation. Credited with laying the groundwork for the web -- the universe of multimedia webpages accessible via the internet -- in 1989, the computer scientist has since last year been developing the so-called Contract for the Web. His unveiling of the final document recently comes as government, business and civil society leaders gather in Berlin for the four-day UN Internet Governance Forum. Virtual trading game Moneybhai launched in India Financial platform Moneycontrol has introduced Moneybhai, a unique investing
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simulation platform aimed at giving an opportunity to learn trading by experiencing markets in real time with real data using virtual currency. The platform seeks to provide hands-on experience and learnings of the market by allowing users to make
amazing new products. After the US, Letstrack has plans to launch their operations shortly in Europe and North America as well. With the pilot in US, Letstrack has crossed more than 10K app registrations in the country. Over the next few months, the company is expecting higher growth and momentum from the US market. Currently focusing 100K US users, Letstrack is working with some OEMs from US market to expand nationwide. Rewired.GG pumps in 14 million more euros into Team Vitality to expand in India Rewired.GG, a 50-million-euro esports venture fund that invests in the global
risk-free investments. With an aim to inculcate the quality of risk-taking and to advocate the ability to learn finance, the investing stimulation platform targets newly-turned investors in the age-group of 18-34. The company says that it will use real data from stock markets to reproduce the experience of using a real online brokerage account. The functioning of Moneybhai will see every player receive virtual money of Rs 1 crore in their portfolio account with a maximum limit for trading set at Rs 1 crore per day. Letstrack expands footprints to US market
After gaining its substantial ground in the India market, IoT-based vehicle tracking solutions provider Letstrack has entered the US market, with an aim to become a global tech player. The company is launching in US with all its products – Letstrack Personal series, Letstrack Bike series, Letstrack Premium, Letstrack Plug and Play, Letstrack Special and a few
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growth of esports, has invested a further 14 million euros into Team Vitality, taking its total investment to 34 million euros. The funds will be used to support the continued growth of Team Vitality as the team pursues expansion across India, where it will be acquiring new players and launching a network of esports academies. The team, which was founded in 2013 with 10,000 euros, aims to be one of the world’s first $1 billion esports teams. The recent investment, along with the 20 million euros that Team Vitality received from Rewired. GG in November 2018, is thought to be the largest investment into a European esports team to date. Team Vitality is one of the biggest esports teams in Europe and boasts some of the world’s top esports players and coaches. Startups drive adoption of Telegram in India End-to-end encrypted messaging platform Telegram, which has over 200 million users globally and which is patronised by journalists, public officials and protest movements, is now gaining a huge following in India. According to a report, it has seen nearly 65% increase in user count this year; the MAU figure (Android alone) stood at around 2.9 crore in September. Small and medium-sized enterprises and
startups, which use the app for marketing and customer engagement, are driving this bump in interest. Edtech firms use it to
reach test-prep users, companies in other sectors rely on it for influencer marketing, and small businesses love its unique application programming interface (API) and bot feature to engage with customers and analyse data. According to Prabhu Ram, head, Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research, businesses prefer Telegram because it marries capabilities of WhatsApp and Snapchat — it’s secure, private and accessible. Access across multiple devices and no restrictions on the number of group members and file sizes are also a big selling point.
What’s Up
newsbits
Homefoodi partners Dunzo to bring homemade delicacies delivered at your doorstep Noida-based ecommerce platform Homefoodi has partnered with hyper-local delivery marketplace Dunzo to provide home-made food made by chefs delivered right at your doorstep. Through this
partnership, Homefoodi aims to reach out to the end-users by allowing consumers to select from a wide range of homemade food that can be ordered anytime by the consumers. Homefoodi had recently launched its one of a kind mobile application in the NCR town of Noida which is dedicated to providing the customers with home-cooked authentic food. The company has started this application with an initiative to help “Ghar Ki Lakshmi” transforming into “Bharat Ki Lakshmi” with a focus to providing women employment opportunities and a platform for them to display their expert culinary skills. n team@mymobile.co.in
December 2019 | 15
First Look
justin
Infinix S5 Lite
T
ranssion’s brand Infinix has launched another variant of its recentlylaunched S5 smartphone, called the Infinix S5 Lite in India. Priced at Rs
7,999, the all-new smartphone is available in shades of Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan and Violet. The Infinix S5 Lite flaunts a 6.6-inch HD+ screen with a Punch-Hole Super Cinema Display and has a 90.5 per cent screen to body ratio for edge-to-edge access of the display, protected in 2.5D glass with a brightness of 480 nits and LCD IPS screen type. The smartphone sports 16MP AI triple camera with 2MP depth and a dedicated low light sensor along with Quad LED Flash for low light photography. The AI-enabled auto scene detection shifts images through 8 scenes and is also enabled with custom Bokeh mode through which one can control the amount of background blur in photographs. The 16MP in-display selfie camera comes equipped with AI portrait, AI 3D face beauty and WideSelfie. The smartphone is backed by Helio P22 64 bit octa-core processor and comes paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via a dedicated micro SD card slot. The smartphone offers multifunctional fingerprint sensor and face unlock options. The S5 Lite runs the latest Android 9.0 operating system powered by XOS 5.5 Cheetah layer. It houses a 4,000mAh big battery. Additionally, it is equipped with a digital well-being feature that allows users to monitor their digital lifestyle in real-time. The feature enables users to detach whenever they want to and set time limits for using particular apps. It also aids in security by allowing you to hide apps that contain personal and sensitive information such as banking or social media apps. Through Smart Gestures, the S5 Lite adds massively to the convenience aspect by allowing users to answer calls, change music, take screenshots, etc. with simple gestures. The smartphone is available for
sale on Flipkart. n
MYMOBILE
First Look
justin
Realme X2 Pro
O
ppo spin-off brand Realme has launched its new flagship
The smartphone features a rear quad camera set-up
smartphone under the X series -- Realme X2 Pro -- that is
consisting of a 64MP main lens, a 13MP 2x optical zoom lens,
available in two colour variants, Neptune Blue and Lunar
an 8MP 115° Super Wide-Angle Anti-Distortion lens and a
White.
portrait lens. The 64MP main lens has f/1.8 large aperture. The
The smartphone comes in two storage variants -- 8GB+128GB
phone comes with a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
and 12GB+256GB -- priced at Rs 29,999 and Rs 33,999,
Other important features of Realme X2 Pro include in-screen
respectively. One can purchase it on Flipkart and realme.
fingerprint sensor, dual nano SIM, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm
com.
headphone jack. The X2 Pro also gets an optical in-display
The Realme X2 Pro has got a Master Edition as well in Red
fingerprint sensor.
Brick and Concrete colour and is available in 12GB+256 GB
The Realme X2 Pro is the most affordable smartphone
variant at Rs 34,999. It uses a Snapdragon 855+ with UFS
featuring a display with 90Hz refresh rate. The only
3.0. Primarily, the Realme X2 Pro is powered by a 50W Super
other phones in India to feature a similar display include the
VOOC Flash Charger which charges the phone to 100 per cent
OnePlus 7T, OnePlus 7T Pro and Nubia Red Magic 3s and the
in about 35 minutes. It is equipped with a 4,000mAh
Asus ROG Phone 2 (which gets an even faster 120Hz refresh
battery.
rate display). n
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 17
First Look
justin
Vivo Y19
C
hinese smartphone brand Vivo has unveiled a new device in
by credit card down-payment, zero down-payment schemes
its Y-series portfolio -- Vivo Y19 -- priced at Rs 13,990, and
available on paper finance through Bajaj Finance and HDFC
it is available in Magnetic Black and Spring White colour variants across all offline partner outlets as well as all online channels like Vivo India E-store and leading online platforms.
Paper Finance. No cost EMI (up to 12 months on bank credit cards and debit cards) and benefits worth Rs 6,000 from Reliance Jio. n
The Y19 features a 16.58cm (6.53) FHD+ Halo FullView Display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The Y19 comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage that allows you to play games, watch videos or enjoy your social world without a glitch. Powered by a 5,000mAh battery, the Y19 is equipped with an AI triple rear camera setup (16MP+8MP+2MP) and Macro capabilities for capturing small details, with 18W Dual Engine fast charging. Consumers buying Vivo Y19 online can also avail special offers like 5 per cent cash back on HDFC and ICICI bank credit and debit cards. 10 per cent cash back on HDB paper finance
18 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
Sharp Aquos V
S
harp has added a new phone to its Aquos series -Sharp Aquos V -- that is currently available in
Taiwan priced at 6,990 Taiwan Dollars (TWD) (roughly Rs 16,400) in a sole Starry Black colour option. The phone features a 5.9-inch full-HD+ display with thick bezels at the top and bottom, and sports a physical rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Sharp phone measures 157x76x9mm and weighs 173 grams. The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 835 SoC coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage that can be further expanded via a microSD card up to 256GB. It boots Android 9 Pie out of the
International
justin
box. In the imaging department, the Sharp Aquos V’s dual rear camera setup includes a 13MP primary camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation) support. It is assisted by a 13MP monochrome sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. There’s an 8MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture and EIS (electronic image stabilisation) support. The connectivity features are standard including 4G LTE, dual-SIM slots, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C port, and GPS. A 3,090mAh battery keeps the whole package alive. The phone is now up for grabs in Taiwan, but there is no word on its availability in the international markets, including India. n
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 19
Exclusive
lead story
vivo Completes Five Glorious Years In India
MYMOBILE
We travelled five years of journey with the brand to understand the genesis of innovations and numerous firsts which it has offered till date for smartphone lovers and industry. In pursuit, we explored many other diverse ways of communicating the brand effectively to all by vivo India. By Haider Ali Khan
“L
ove India, Love vivo”!
also a huge employer of Indian workforce
made vivo a household name across
This is what vivo has
now. Currently, vivo India employs nearly
geographies in India which would not have
encompassed as
10,000 men and women directly across its
been possible with any other medium to
a phrase in its five
expanded manufacturing facilities which
that effect. With that success, vivo India
are into its second phase of expansion.
also patched up with the forgotten sports
years of journey from camera and music. You can feel the sense of relevance this
Limelight Exclusive
lead story
of India like Kabaddi which is liked,
global premium brand has for India and
Growth
Indians. It has so heavily invested in India
Since its inception in India vivo researched,
overall. vivo took title sponsorship of Pro
with both capital and emotions that it no
read and understood the dynamics to be a
Kabaddi League as well and made it a
applauded by hinterland and the masses
longer stands as an unreliable brand. We would love talk about this remarkable smartphone brand born out of BBK clan to understand it better and tries to know what value we Indians hold for vivo.
History vivo India is as new as Make in India initiative. Both made their way in India at almost similar time when Narendra Modiled NDA government took over in 2014. He is the man who coined this term, ‘Make In India’ to promote manufacturing within India thus to increase employment opportunities and cut on imports. vivo, at nascent stage in 2014 got this huge boost to establish its footprint in India and rest in history as we all know. vivo is so much established today in India that it now holds 17 per cent of world’s second most populous country as per Counterpoint Q3
successful venture in India. Predominantly,
popular sport again in India, encouraged by
2019 data which is a huge number and not
it requires a mix of Bollywood and Cricket,
both, investors, viewers and broadcasters
an easy feat to achieve. I remember being
which vivo did very efficiently. vivo became
alike. vivo certainly helped the talent of the
there on the inauguration of vivo India’s
the title sponsor for Indian Premier League
Tier 2 and 3 towns and villages to come out
first manufacturing unit at Greater Noida
(IPL) in 2015 and continues to do so.
and made their presence felt in India and
in Uttar Pradesh witnessing the birth of a
Cricket is a religion in India we all know it,
abroad. These minute understanding and
new smartphone player in India and now it
and that religion has helped a lot in making
rightful association made vivo a credible
stands as one of the key dominant player
vivo what it is today. The acceptability IPL
and trustworthy brand in India and the
not only here but across the world and
has generated for a smartphone brand
pursuit is still on. Moving parallel is the
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 21
Exclusive
lead story
Path Breaking Innovations By vivo
vivo launched the world’s thinnest smartphone at the time of its release called X5Max.
It became the first smartphone brand to launch a smartphone with world’s first Moonlight Selfie Camera having 24MP FullView Display in the form of V7 and V7+.
vivo was also the first to launch a 20MP dual front camera smartphone in vivo V5Plus.
vivo was the first brand to add a dedicated Hi-Fi quality audio chip in vivo X1.
At MWC Shanghai 2017, vivo unveiled the industry’s first vivo UnderDisplay Fingerprint Scanning Solution.
association of vivo with heavyweights of Indian Film Fraternity. From Ranveer Singh to Aamir Khan and now Sara Ali Khan, vivo knows exactly how and what sells in India. Endorsing vivo range of smartphone series; V, Z, Y, S, U and NEX, these Bollywood stars helped a lot in achieving the 17 per cent of market share which vivo now enjoys in India. Later on, vivo did partnerships with Big Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati to become a mass brand with visual appeal. Not limiting itself to India only, vivo signed a pact with FIFA to be the official sponsor of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA
global presence. Going with the trend,
player beating around bushes. In a price-
World Cup, sealing a strong sense of
vivo India made its commitment with
driven market like India vivo has created a
PUBG Mobile as well to give an upper
niche for itself with right sets of products
hand to its community by sponsoring
and intelligent pricings coupled with
the tournament in 2019. These are the
smart marketing.
38 | december 2019
testaments of investments required and
vivo attributes its steady, ever-
needed for growth by a vocal and ferocious
increasing market share and presence
brand like vivo. The name vivo now stands
to its effective after sales services and
earned with these major steps taken by
relentless focus on offline channels.
the brand in its five years of operations in
In the last five years, the global
India. It’s not like any other smartphone
smartphone brand, vivo, has worked
MYMOBILE
vivo is equally poised to go leaps and bounds if it continues its India focus with a right mix of investment and proper marketing. India is bound to be an electronics manufacturing hub by 2022 and for that companies like vivo has to play its role which it’s already doing. With the expansion of Phase 1 manufacturing vivo now aims to produce nearly 33 million smartphones per annum
Exclusive
lead story
with equal employment opportunities being provided at the same time. vivo plans to invest INR 7,500 crore in India to meet the growing demands for its smartphones here. Similarly, vivo continues to focus on At CES 2018, vivo displayed a ready-toproduce smartphone with the world’s first in-display fingerprint scanning technology and it launched X20 Plus UD in China with this unique technology.
In Feb 2018, vivo launched APEX FullView Concept Smartphone with Half-Screen In-Display Fingerprint Scanning, Elevating Front Camera and Screen SoundCasting Technology which we later saw in vivo NEX.
The APEX 2019 Concept Smartphone is vivo’s latest effort to showcase the smartphone of tomorrow without any physical buttons or port openings, no headphone jack or a USB port.
extensively in the offline space to cover
not have it in your smartphones. These are
the length and breadth of India as well as
secondary to innovations which any one
online. vivo is the only global smartphone
has to offer primarily. You sell a product
company to have a ‘Company Owned and
not promises! vivo smartphones have been
Company Operated’ model of service
a champion in bringing new innovations,
centers which ensures a hassle-free
design and concepts to the smartphone
experience at the very end. As a smart
world. vivo NEX was one such smartphone
business entity, vivo does not fully rely on
that broke many R&D and technological
offline channels for growth as it already
barriers by introducing concepts such as
has online-specific smartphones available
Screen SoundCasting technology. Many
across platforms like Amazon and Flipkart
such innovations followed consecutively
to reach every pocket in this country.
in vivo smartphones such as front pop-up
Innovations It’s not merely these marketing steps that have helped vivo to establish itself as a key
camera and in-display fingerprint scanner. There were many other firsts which vivo achieved.
dominant player in Indian smartphone
Future
market. Cricket and Bollywood may not be
vivo’s future in India is as bright as India
able to drive the numbers for you if you do
itself. With the thrust on manufacturing
offline and online channels for sustainable growth in India. What stands apart from other smartphone vendor is that vivo has its own manufacturing units located very close to the heart of India which helps in cutting time to the market and thus ensure easy availability of smartphones when required. As an admirer of new technology and innovations, we would love to see vivo entering into other businesses as did by its sister concern, OnePlus, with OnePlus TV. It has talent and aspiration to be among the leading innovations providers to Indians in smartphone and mobility. From camera and music, vivo has come a long way in these five years to proudly say, “Love India, Love vivo”! n haider@mymobile.co.in
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 23
Exclusive
lead interview
“Our growth in India has been a combination of extensive distribution network, reliable afterTo understand the brand better, we spoke with Nipun Marya, Director-Brand Strategy, vivo India, who’s been more vocal in disclosing of facts. As vivo now completes five years, how
most innovative and variegated product
tech lovers continuously by coming-up
Indianised has the brand become? vivo
offerings catering to all customer segments
with innovations that add value to our
has been deeply invested in the Indian
in India.
consumer’s daily life and ensure a
market and has established its footprint
When we started operations in the
as an internationally Indian brand in the
Indian market in 2014, we had multiple
As part of vivo’s absolute commitment
country. We entered the Indian market
challenges. We had to begin our journey
to the Indian market and in line with the
with long-term plans and a clear strategy
by building strong brand recall and
much-lauded ‘Make in India’ initiative, we
to keep the consumers at the center of all
also gain the trust of the consumers.
are also making substantial investments
operations. We always tried to provide the
Over the years, we have surprised the
and generating employment opportunities
delightful experience.
in the country through our manufacturing facility. We have announced the investment of over 7,500 crores so far and have produced over 10 thousand jobs in the country. All the devices that are manufactured in India are entirely consumed in India. Hence, vivo is as Indian as any company can be. According to the latest GFK report, vivo recorded 48 per cent growth in terms of volume and 33 per cent growth in terms of value, at a time when the industry grew by 11 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. vivo also registered its highest ever market share of 22.5 per cent by value in India, as per GFk. More than the numbers, it is heartening to see the warmth we have received by the Indian consumer. This warmth has indeed catapulted us as one of the top smartphone makers in the country. What have you learnt out of these five years in India? Do you regret anything doing or not doing here? Indeed, the journey has been thrilling so far, and we believe there is a long way for us to be successful. In this ultra-competitive, dynamic and challenging mobile handset market, we have come to realize that disruption is the name of the game. If a smartphone company is not disruptive or innovating, it becomes challenging to survive. We take a
38 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
strong product portfolio across price segments, sales service and substantial marketing inputs” lot of pride in saying that vivo, as a brand
smartphone markets.
has elevated its focus from just music
through the product or service. Right from creating brand recall to reaching out
& camera to an ‘innovation’ led brand.
vivo loves to associate with Bollywood and
to audience pan-India, these associations
Today, Customer-centric innovation
Cricket. Are they your mantra for success?
have been instrumental in building our
is at the heart of everything we do. For
As a brand, vivo believes in promoting and
brand value and product awareness.
the next few years, vivo will continue to
celebrating the spirit of sports and love for
pursue the innovation streak by launching
Bollywood in India. We market ourselves
vivo continues to grow steadily in terms of
unique products with stylish design, latest
through any platform that we think would
market share in India. Do offline channel
technology and powerful performance
excite our audience. This approach also
and after sales service play an important
to match the fast-paced lifestyle of
helps us understand our customers better
catalyst for this brand acceptance? For a
consumers.
and build a high recall in their minds.
market as diverse and vast as India, all
As we march ahead, we understand that
We have collaborated with the biggest
Exclusive
lead interview
smartphone players must leverage the
the way our products make a difference in
vast potential of both the online and
the consumers’ lives will eventually
offline channels to reach the corners of
“According to the this great nation. vivo entered the Indian going forward. Hence, we market in 2014 with a clear focus on the latest GFk report, vivo shall continue to draw recorded 48 per cent growth in terms offline channel. Our unremitting focus learnings through has been on creating hassle-free of volume and 33 per cent growth in our well-designed seamless experience consumers, research program terms of value, at a time when the industry not only at the time of purchase to understand our but also in terms of reliable aftergrew by 11 per cent and 9 per cent consumer psyche sale service. Our growth so far has respectively. vivo also registered its highest to bring suitable been a result of multiple factors, ever market share of 22.5 per cent by products. and the offline channel has been our core focus area for sales and value in India. More than the numbers, vivo did many firsts in distribution strategy. Our presence it is heartening to see the warmth the smartphone segment. with 250 company-owned retail stores, we have received by the Where does it come from? Is it around 30 thousand VBAs, approximately the buyers that drive innovations 70 thousand General Trade Stores, 3882 Indian consumer” define our success and growth
or the competition to stay ahead of the
Modern Trade Outlets and over 600
rests? vivo stands strong to its core belief
service centres have strengthened our
that is truly innovating for the consumer.
celebrities in the industry along with
foothold across the length and breadth of
We believe that success should be the
associations with India’s most significant
the country.
result not a goal. Adhering to this belief, we
sporting extravaganza – the Indian
Furthermore, at vivo, we believe that
have created ground-breaking innovations
Premier League, Pro Kabaddi League
the real value for handling any after-
with the consumers’ needs as our guiding
(PKL), Big Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati
sale customer query does not just end
star. We have always tried to ensure that
(KBC) etc. For any brand looking at
at offering a quick turnaround, but to
we understand our consumer’s needs the
reaching out to an already enthused and
provide a superior end-to-end brand
best and continue to deliver stylish and
passionate audience on their terms, these
experience. For us, it is not just limited
innovative products. vivo’s performance
collaboration and partnerships provide an
to selling our smartphones but also about
in the market so far is the result of great
effective channel.
the post-purchase consumer experience.
effort to understand consumer behaviors
We at vivo, through our messaging,
vivo is the only smartphone company to
and we believe that we are on the right
try to establish that we share the same
have a ‘Company Owned and Company
trajectory in sustaining our position as
perspective, values and ambition as our
Operated’ model of service centers which
one of the top smartphone players in the
partner and offer a similar experience
ensures a hassle-free experience.
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 25
Exclusive
lead interview We have received a tremendous
expansion aims to meet the surge in
growth for Indian smartphone sector and
response for our extensive portfolio of
domestic demands for vivo smartphones.
further demonstrate its commitment to
offline smartphones over the years, which
With the additional manufacturing facility,
the “Make in India” initiative. As a key
have helped vivo capture significant
player in the fastest-growing smartphone
market share in India. According to the
segment, vivo recognizes the potential
“Our presence 22.5% market share, which has been with 250 company-owned its highest ever in India. retail stores, around 30 thousand vivo has recently expanded its VBAs, approximately 70 thousand Phase 1 manufacturing with General Trade Stores, 3882 Modern new workforce and additional Trade Outlets and over 600 service smartphones output per month. What does vivo aspires out of centres have strengthened our this? It is a testament to our foothold across the length and unremitting focus and commitment breadth of the to the Indian market. vivo was one of the first smartphone companies to set country”
of this market and its contribution to the
latest GFK report, vivo has recorded
overall GDP of the nation. How does your future look like in India? If you look at our journey so far, we have worked towards creating a superior end-to-end experience for our consumers. Our growth in India has been a combination of multiple factors - strong product portfolio across price segments, extensive distribution network (both offline and online), reliable after-sales service and substantial marketing inputs to build a strong brand. Going forward, we look to build a stable platform to do long-term business in India. We believe that if we continue to offer the right products to our consumers, we shall automatically command the respect of everyone. We also plan to put more resources into numerous areas including product development and research, strategic partnerships and customer experience. With all these measures in place, we are confident that our growth will continue in the Indian market. We shall remain committed to providing an extraordinary experience to our consumers through our products and aim to offer the best of technology to cater to the vast audience in the Indian market. Any message for our readers This year we would be completing five glorious years in the country. We have been successful in creating a successful brand and achieve substantial market share, but this is just the beginning of our journey. In the time to come and will continue to build a
up its manufacturing facility in India.
we have also increased our workforce
strong foundation to create a successful
With the roll-out of phase 1 of vivo’s new
to 10000 at the factory by additionally
long-term brand in India and continuously
manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh,
adding 2000 employees.
bring innovative products backed by an
vivo will now be able to produce more
vivo India aspires to embark upon
than 33 million devices annually. This
a long term plan to boost the economic
26 | december 2019
aggressive marketing strategy. n haider@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
face to face
“We are here for the long term” Riversong has some big plans for the India market and wants to be among the top three players in the smart device category. Manvendra K Chandola, CEO, Riversong India discusses more about the same, in a conversation with Vivek Singh Chauhan. Excerpts: Riversong has been unveiling a lot of
a very clear thought in our mind and we
smartwatches and ear-pods. How is the
are going step by step. Consumer insight is
business going? As of now, we have
the most important and critical thing which
launched three EarPods which is TWS
every company should understand before
(Air X3, Air X5 and Air X5 plus) and one
making any strategy. We have started our
smartwatch named “Motive” that comes
offline operation this year and currently,
in two variants -- one with a black metal
our strategy is to bring the best partner
chain which was the limited edition and
on board, and we have good partners who
the other one comes with the strap. As per
believed in our brand and come on board.
the business we are doing great.
Currently, we are present in 19 states
upgraded feature and colours.
and by the end of this year we’ll be present In our previous conversation, you said you
pan India. We are doing investment
What is your approach to the after-sales
are eyeing 7 per cent market share by Q4,
in building our brand in India. A lot of
service which remains an issue for the
2020? How close you are at the moment?
marketing activities are in the pipeline
majority of electronics companies? After-
Yes, we had a discussion during our last
which will be started to post our presence.
sales is the backbone of any electronics
interaction on smartwatch category. We’ve
But yes, as of now, we are supporting our
company and we are looking forward to
reached to the point where the demand for
brand by using Digital / PR and Retail
supporting consumers by giving them a
our smartwatch is higher than we planned.
visibility elements.
better customer support experience. We
We are moving in the right direction where
have a customer care number on which
will achieve our goal to get market share by
If we go by the price, Riversong Motive was
any consumer can call and get the solution
7 per cent in 2020 Q4 in the smartwatch
a mind-blowing smartwatch in the budget
of their problem. Along with that we have
category.
segment. Can we expect an enhanced
a customer care email ID on which a
version of the watch with more features that
consumer can write a mail and it will be
The brand is doing well but still many are
can compete with high-end watches? We
attended by our expert. Besides, we have
unaware of it? What is the company’s strategy
got a fantastic response from the market.
a product replacement policy across India
in creating awareness about the existence of
The Motive was launched in May and we
at the retail points.
the brand? Yes, I agree with your point that
received great response from the retailer
where a lot of players are doing investment
and consumer. Like every product, we have
Which platform has been more beneficial for
to create their visibility in the market, we are
a clear roadmap for Motive too. We are in
the brand -- online or offline? We strongly
taking a different route. Our main focus is
the process and very soon, you will see the
believe in the offline channel. The potential
to create our presence through Digital and
upgraded version of Motive.
is huge. We have a very clear strategy from
PR alone with support with BTL elements.
day one to focus on the same. But, we are
As of now, we are focusing to increase our
What are the expansion plans of your
also present in the online space. Our 99
presence pan India. We are here for the
company in term of new products? As of
per cent of business is coming from the
long term and want to be among the top
now, we have launched a few products in
offline channel. We believe if we can do
three players in the smart device.
each category. Our product team is working
offline business with full transparency with
on different segments like power bank,
channel partners then anyone can make
What is your go-to-market strategy? What are
smart device and audio. Very soon, you
your outreach and investment plans? We have
will see our new product line with a more
the business profitable. n vivek@mymobile.co.in
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 27
In Conversation
face to face
“We are looking at making our products more affordable and accessible” Taiwan-based Micro-Star International or popularly known as MSI has recently refreshed its lineup of productivity and creator-centric laptops in India by launching eight new models across the Creator, Modern, Prestige, and the P-series. The eight laptops across the series come with 15 configurations up for grabs. The top-end MSI Creator-series laptops offer up to a 4K display with True Color technology and 144Hz refresh rate, Thunderbolt 3 support, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity among other features. Green, Chang-ChingLin, Regional Marketing Head, MSI says that they have received an overwhelming response and believes that it is a strategic market for the brand. Our correspondent Vivek Singh Chauhan spoke to Green, when we discussed MSI growth, expansion plans etc. Here are the edited excerpts. How important is the Indian market for MSI?
a huge potential to grow in the laptop
build the eco-system. The way consumers
India is a key focus market for MSI and
industry. We understand that every
are now choosing and buying laptops is
we will invest in building an eco-system
consumer has a unique set of needs and
continuously evolving according to as per
here. We have received an overwhelming
demands. As a brand, we are constantly
the latest technology being offered in the
response and believe that it is a strategic
working towards offering products that
market.
market for us primarily because there is
best fit our consumers.
We’ve recently unveiled our Content
So far, our brand has received over-
Creation Series, with a complete product
whelming feedback in terms of our
line in India. The Content Creation series is
products, quality and after-sales services.
currently available exclusively on Flipkart.
Our products are pushing boundaries and
com. In addition to this, Ingram Micro is
providing an exceptional user experience
the sole distributor for the new series.
to all our consumers.
The new product line-up starts from Rs
India was the first market where we
59,990 and goes up to Rs 269,990.
launched the new gaming laptop line-up
The line-up includes 15 laptops across
with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU.
3 series; namely Creator, Prestige and
We also unveiled a complete product line
Modern and series and we have a positive
up of the new ‘Content Creation’ Series
outlook in terms of response from the
in India. These were the first laptops
Indian consumer.
powered by a 10th Gen Intel 6-Core CPU and also debuting the exclusive True Pixel
India is a highly cluttered market with each
Display.
player trying to get the maximum share of the pie. How do you stand out in such a scenario?
How much growth the company is
MSI is always focussed on product
targeting in the country? The innovation
differentiation, quality and reliability. With
in the laptop industry has been steadily
the increasing cluttered laptop market,
gaining ground in recent years. With
there is a need to build relevance for the
the growing popularity of the gaming
brand and highlight its USP’s with our
landscape, gamer communities and
huge portfolio of products.
engineering talent, there is now a need to
78 | december 2019
To maintain our standard of being a
MYMOBILE
high-end reliable brand, we have launched
Can we expect a dual-screen laptop from
flaunts a new cosmological warship style
a variety of series to cater to a wide range of
MSI in the recent future? Our brand is
design and misty grey colour. It features a
audience in the gaming segment. To build
well known for clamshell designs, which
per-key RGB keyboard with Steel Series.
our portfolio further, we are also looking at
has been highly appreciated by the
The GP75 Leopard sports a 17.3-inch
making our products more affordable and
consumers. While we keep experimenting
FHD display. It is also equipped with the
accessible and plan to bring more price-
with designs and investing in new
latest 9th Gen Core i7 processor and up to
friendly models to the market to fulfil the
technology, we believe our unique design
RTX 2060 Nvidia graphics card.
needs of the consumers.
has created a stir in the industry. We will
We have also recently launched the
Our ultimate goal is to offer a complete
continue to innovate for the market and
Content Creation Series that start at
range of high-end to everyday use laptops;
bring in newer technologies as and when
Rs. 59,990 understanding the need for
from gaming to content creation.
we see the need to.
an affordable price range for different
In the gaming portfolio, MSI currently
consumers in the market and will launch
has around 8 different series of laptops
There are a lot of devices coming in the
with about 50 SKU’s and are looking
market such as portable foldable devices.
forward to adding another 15 SKU’s by
Do you think that it may affect your business?
How efficient the recently launched products
the first half of 2020.
At MSI, we always produce the most
can be for editing purpose? MSI’s Content
comprehensive product line and are
Creation series is designed for creators --
What is your market share in India in the
constantly working towards providing
who need to express their ideas or stories
laptop segment and where do you plan to
the most comprehensive equipment
through a digital format. Our laptops
take it? MSI currently has a market share
for the gamers as well as non-gamers
are ideal especially for video editing,
of 15 per cent in gaming laptops and are
through our latest products. Since we
photography, and illusion purpose.
looking to increase the share to 18-20
are already investing in a lot of high-end
The wide monitor display with true and
per cent by the end of this year. Further,
and performance-driven markers for the
authentic colour enhances the user
with the launch of the Content Creation
past years, we believe our target audience
experience which matters to all the digital
Series, we are also aiming at growing our
doesn’t lie in the portable foldable
artists. Adding to all of these innovative
presence in this segment as well.
device space. With our ground-breaking
features, Content Creation series have
technology and pristine design, we wish to
a long battery with a sleek and stylish
meet the needs of our consumers always.
design.
are always happy to see other companies
Most of the Indian consumers are quite
Online or offline! Which platform is more
bringing innovative products to the
price-centric. What is your parameter for
effective from the revenue point of view?
market. India is still a nascent market
affordability in India? As we all know, India
We’ll be actively operating in both online
and building the community and bringing
is a very price-sensitive market and the
and offline channels. With the growing
innovative products to the market is of
way consumers buy their laptops are
number of gamers and the professional
utmost importance.
ASUS has recently come up with a dual-
more such products in 2020.
In Conversation
face to face
screen laptop? What’s your take on this? We
continuously evolving. This means that
community in the country, their needs
We were one of the firsts in the laptop
brands need to have a diverse portfolio of
are constantly evolving and we need to
industry to bring the over-clocking
products and price points that appeal to
be present on offline as well as online
laptop; the first mechanical keyboard on
a wide range of consumers.
retailers. With the launch of our fifth
the laptop; the first to embed the eye-
Earlier this year, we were excited to
and sixth exclusive experience store in
tracking devices and also introduced
announce that MSI was the first brand to
Coimbatore and Lucknow respectively, we
the True Pixel Display feature which
debut the 9th Gen. Intel Core i9 Processors
have taken the total count to six exclusive
achieves high colour accuracy. Besides
in the gaming series. Furthermore, the
experience stores in the country and are
this, we have our creator center that can
GTX 16 series graphics cards also provide
opening two more exclusive experience
optimize the performance on most of the
a more affordable graphics solution for
stores in New Delhi & Hyderabad this year.
well-known creation software such as
gamers while still attaining a high level of
We will continue to increase our footprint
Adobe Series or Autodesk. As a gaming
performance. With these new additions to
in the country and plan to have 18-20
laptop focussed brand, MSI invests a
our product portfolio, we not only aim at
exclusive experience stores by the end of
lot to ensure that we give consumers an
offering gamers the best experience but
next year. Our products will also available
unforgettable experience and therefore
also want to make gaming more inclusive.
on leading e-commerce players Amazon.
wish to make many such breakthroughs
The GP Series is an affordable laptop
in the future.
aimed at budget gamers. The GP75
in, Flipkart.com and PayTM mall. n vivek@mymobile.co.in
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 29
Year Ender
Feature
Smartphones, brands that ruled the Indian audience in 2019
T
he year 2019 has been a tremendous year for the Indian
India Top 5 Smartphone Companies, 3Q19 Unit Market Share
smartphone industry as it
shipped a record 46.6 million units in the third quarter of 2019, with 26.5 per cent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and 9.3 per cent year-over-year (YoY) growth, according to an International Data Corporation’s (IDC) report. Xiaomi has now been India’s top smartphone seller for nine straight quarters. The company has become a constant headache for Samsung in the world’s second-largest smartphone market as sales have slowed pretty much everywhere else in the world. As smartphone shipments slow or decline in most of the world, India has emerged as an outlier that continues to show strong momentum as tens of millions of people purchase their first handset in the country each quarter.
Here are the top five brands (by IDC): Xiaomi recorded its highest ever smartphone shipments in a quarter with 12.6 million units, growing at 8.5 per cent YoY. The Redmi 7A and Redmi Note 7 Pro were the highest shipped
models in the overall smartphone
Source: IDC Quartel Mobile Phone Tracker, 2019 shipments, making vivo theNovember third-largest
market. Samsung was the only vendor amongst the top five to fall, dropping
online vendor with a market share of 8.2 per cent. realme climbed to the fourth position
8.5 per cent YoY in the third quarter.
in the third quarter, as its shipments
The lag between older Galaxy A series
grew multifold YoY in the third quarter,
(Galaxy A10, 50, etc.) and the refreshed
driven by heavy shipments of its
Galaxy As (Galaxy A10s, A50s etc.)
affordable C2 model and its newly
series just before the Diwali quarter led
launched 5 and 3i series. The vendor’s
to this sharp decline.
online share was at an all-time high
vivo registered a strong YoY growth
of 26.5 per cent in the third quarter,
of 58.7 per cent in third quarter on
up from 16.5 per cent in the previous
the back of its affordable Y series
quarter.
(Y12, Y91/i) The newly-launched
Oppo slipped to the fifth position, but
exclusive online Z/U series accounted
with a YoY growth of 92.3 per cent. Its
for more than 20 per cent of its overall
A5s was the fifth-highest shipped model in the overall smartphone market. India has become a hub for global launches, if not, the smartphones are made available fast. In 2019, we saw a lot of smartphones -- in both budgeted to premium smartphones -- in the country with new designs, camera trend etc. Here are the top smartphones that ruled the Indian users in 2019. n
108 | october 2019
MYMOBILE
Huawei P30 Pro
C
hinese technology giant Huawei that recently received
a 90-Days License Extension From
the US, launched its flagship smartphones -- P30 Pro and P30 Lite -- earlier this year in India. Talking about the P30 Pro, it is available in two colour options -- Breathing Crystal or Aurora -- at Rs 71,990. P30 Pro features a 6.47-inch full HD+ OLED display with curved glass and dewdrop notch. The smartphone is powered by the company’s 7nm processor Kirin 980 and runs Android 9.0 Pie operating system topped with the company’s layer of customisation EMUI 9.0. Users can further expand the storage up to 256GB by adding a microSD card. The Huawei P30 Pro sports a 40MP main sensor with f/1.6 aperture, OIS a 20MP Ultra Wide Angle lens with f/2.2 aperture, 8MP telephoto lens and a ToF Depth sensor. The smartphone offers a 10x hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom functionality. On the front, users will find a 32MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture. The hybrid dualSIM smartphone comes equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor and IP68 rating which makes the device dust and waterresistant. The smartphone houses 4,200mAh battery with Huawei’s SuperCharge fast-charging technology. The smartphone offers dual 4G, VoLTE, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 5, GPS, NFC and USB Type C.
Apple iPhone 11
S
an Francisco-based tech giant Apple launched iPhone 11 in three storage variants -- 64GB, 128GB and 256GB -- starting at Rs
64,900. It features a 6.1-inch LCD and carries a bezel-less display with screen protection to avoid scratches. It comes with a waterproof and dustproof body. The screen carries a pixel density of 324 PPI. The iPhone 11 is armed with dual primary cameras -- 12MP+12MP lenses assisted by a Back-illuminated sensor (BSI) that helps to click crisp and clear images. The setup is also capable of recording highdefinition videos. There is a 12MP front camera accompanied by a Retina Flash. The front snapper does well, which capturing excellent selfies and also assists to facilitate video calling. The device is powered by two processors -- a 2.65GHz Lightning dual-core and a 1.52GHz Thunder quad-core. The processors are placed on an
Apple A13 Bionic chipset and are coupled with a 4GB RAM and Apple GPU. It houses a 3110mAh Li-ion battery that can provide the required power backup to keep it alive for long hours. It comes with a wide range of connectivity options such as 4G with VoLTE, Wi-Fi, mobile hotspot, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC.
OnePlus 7T Pro
C
hinese smartphone maker OnePlus launched its much-anticipated
phone -- OnePlus 7T Pro -- this year. The 8GB+ 256GB variant was announced at Rs 53,999 while the McLaren Edition (12GB+256GB) for Rs 58,999. OnePlus 7T Pro
smartphone has a Fluid AMOLED display. It has a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels and 515 ppi pixel density.
Year Ender
Feature
It has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen-to-body ratio of 88.3 per cent. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus, the device claims 15 per cent faster graphics rendering and faster processing speeds. It runs on Android v10 (Q) operating system and is powered by Octa-core (2.96 GHz, Single core, Kryo 485 + 2.42 GHz, Tri core, Kryo 485 + 1.8 GHz, Quadcore, Kryo 485) processor. On the camera front, the smartphone sports a 16 MP front camera and a triple camera setup on the rear (48MP+16MP+ 8MP camera) with features like Fixed Focus. It is backed by a 4,085mAh battery. Connectivity features in the smartphone include WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Volte, NFC and more. With 256
GB of UFS 3.0
storage and 12GB RAM, the OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition pairs flagship hardware with refined software for blazing-fast performance. It also touts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus Mobile Platform to save all your most valued apps, photos and music.
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 31
Year Ender
Feature Honor View20
Oppo Reno2 20x zoom
C
C
hinese handset maker Honor launched its flagship smartphone
-- View20 -- in India in January. Priced
hinese smartphone maker Oppo announced the successor of its
Reno series in India this year. Priced at
at Rs 37,999, the base variant of
Rs 36,990, the smartphone comes in
the device comes with 6GB RAM and
8GB+256GB inbuilt storage option. The
128GB internal storage. The device is
device is available in two colour options
also available in 8GB+256GB storage
-- Ocean Blue and Luminous Black. The
option. It runs Android 9.0 and has
smartphone features a 6.55-inch dynamic
Magic UI2.0.1 as a user interface.
AMOLED full-screen FHD+ resolution with 93.1 per cent screen to
Honor View20 amused the consumers
body ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. It has Gorilla Glass
as it featured a 48MP Artificial (AI)-
5 protection at the back. The Reno 2 runs on Colour OS 6.1-based on
driven rear camera and the world’s first
Android 9 Pie. It has a 6.55-inch dynamic AMOLED full-screen FHD+
25MP in-screen front camera. The rear
resolution with 93.1 per cent screen to body ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. It has Gorilla Glass 5 protection at the back. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor and runs Colour OS 6.1-based on Android 9 Pie. The device boasts of a quadcamera setup at the back. It has a 48MP IMX 586 sensor with OIS and EIS, 13MP telephoto lens, 8MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP mono lens for better portraits. The camera also has 5x Hybrid zooming feature along with Ultra Dark Mode and Ultra Steady video mode. Like the Reno 10x Zoom, the Reno 2 also has a ‘Shark Fin’ front camera pop up with 16MP sensor. It is backed by a 4000mAh battery and support VOOC 3.1 flash charge technology. The smartphone also has an indisplay fingerprint scanner and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Asus 6Z
T
aiwanese tech major Asus unveiled its flagship smartphone -Asus 6z -- this year in India. Priced at Rs 31,999 for 6GB+64GB
variant, the smartphone is also available in two other storage variants -- 6GB RAM and 128GB version and 8GB RAM and 256GB variant.
The smartphone comes in Midnight Black and Twilight Silver colour camera sensor, boosted by Kirin 980 chipset, supports new 48MP “AI Ultra Clarity” mode to produce photos with unmatched detail and clarity even if it is zoomed multiple times. The device also features 25MP AI-driven in-screen front camera design. It provides a notchless viewing experience. The Honor View 20 sports a 6.4-inch Full HD+ display. The smartphone runs Android 9.0 Pie operating system-based Magic UI 2.0 interface. It houses 4,000mAh battery with SuperCharge support. On the connectivity front, the smartphone offers 4G, VoLTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC and USB Type C.
32 | december 2019
options. The major highlight of the device is its flip camera setup -- a 48MP main sensor with Dual LED Flash, f/1.79 aperture and a 13MP secondary camera with 125-degree ultra-wide lens and f/2.4 aperture. The flip camera works as both rear and front camera. The smartphone sports a 6.46-inch full HD+ display with 19.5:9 aspect ratio and 92 per cent screen-to-body ratio. The display is also protected with a coating of Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on top. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. The handset runs Android 9.0 Pie operating system topped with the company’s layer of customisation Zen UI. It houses a 5000mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 support for fast charging. In terms of connectivity, it offers, dual 4G, VoLTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and USB Type C.
MYMOBILE
vivo v17 Pro
Oppo F11 Pro
E
arlier this year, Chinese smartphone brand Oppo launched two new
smartphones in its F-series. Dubbed
U
nder its V-series, Chinese smartphone maker vivo has announced its new smartphone -- vivo V17 Pro -- that comes with a six-
camera setup comprised of dual popup selfie sensors at the front and a quad-camera setup at the rear. Priced at Rs 29,990, the smartphone comes in only one variant of 8GB RAM+128GB of storage. The V17 Pro sports a 6.44-inch full HD+ display with 20:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone gets a dual popup selfie camera setup of 32MP primary sensor + 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens on the front. The ultra-wide-angle lens is capable of capturing a 105-degree field of view. At the back, there is a quad-camera setup of 48MP primary sensor + 8MP wide camera + 2MP depth camera setup and a 13MP telephoto lens. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor and is backed by a 4,100mAh battery. It also comes with the support for 22.5W vivo flash fast charging technology. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, VoLTE, USB Type-C port, etc. The smartphone also comes with a sensor like Proximity sensor, in-display fingerprint sensor, Gyroscope, GPS, and more.
as the Oppo F11 Pro and Oppo F11, both the smartphones offer similar specifications. However, The Pro version of the device created hype among the consumers as it highlighted a pop-up selfie camera. The Oppo F11 Pro with 6GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage
Year Ender
Feature
was launched at Rs 24,990. The smartphones come in two colour options -- Thunder Black and Aurora Green. The smartphone features a 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) FHD+ Panoramic display with a screen-tobody ratio of 90.9 per cent and an aspect ratio of 19:9. The phone also comes
Redmi K20 Pro
with a new
C
gradient
hinese smartphone maker Xiaomi unveiled two new phones for the Indian consumers under its K series -- Redmi K20 and K20 Pro.
The Pro version of the device has wooed a lot of users and garnered a lot of new customers. Starting at Rs 27,999, the smartphone comes in two storage options -- 6GB+128 and 8GB+256GB -- and three colour options -- Glacier Blue, Flame Red and Carbon Black. The
smartphone features a 6.39-inch AMOLED screen and comes in FHD+ resolution. It offers a 91.6 per cent screen-to-body ratio. In terms of optics, Redmi K20 Pro features a triple rear camera setup on the back and a 20MP pop-up selfie camera. The main camera on the back is a 48MP shooter. The Redmi K20 uses Sony IMX582 sensor while Redmi K20 Pro gets Sony IMX586 sensor. The main camera is paired with an 8MP telephoto and 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The phone runs on Qualcomm’s top-end processor Snapdragon 855 paired with Adreno 640 GPU for enhanced gaming performance. The handset offers Game Turbo 2.0 and has an 8-layer graphite cooling system. The device pack a 4,000mAh battery and comes with 27W SonicCharge fast charge that is said to take 15 minutes to charge the smartphone enough to last over 10 hours of 4G talk time. It runs MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie. Connectivity options on both the phones include Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, USB Type-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
www.mymobileindia.com
triple-colour design at the back. The smartphone comes equipped with a dual rear camera setup of 48MP+5MP with an f/1.79 aperture along with LED flash. For selfies, the company has also equipped the phone with a 16MP pop-up selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture. In terms of video capabilities, the Oppo F11 Pro can shoot in 1080p resolution videos at 30FPS. It is powered by the octa-core Mediatek Helio P70 processor with an expandable storage option up to 256GB via microSD. The phone houses a 4,000mAh battery that supports VOOC 3.0 fast charging.
december 2019 | 33
Year Ender
Feature Motorola One Vision
realme XT
L
C
enovo-owned Motorola has expanded its product lineup in
India, this year, with the launch of its
hinese smartphone maker Realme finally took the veil off its first 64MP
quad-camera phone in India. The base
Android One smartphone -- Motorola
model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage
One Vision. The smartphone is
is priced at Rs 15,999, while users can
another addition to the burgeoning
also opt for higher variant as per their use
mid-range segment in India. Priced
-- 6GB+64GB or 8GB+128GB -- as per
at Rs 19,999, the smartphone comes
their use. It comes with a 6.4-inch FHD+
in Sapphire Blue and Brown colour
Super AMOLED screen with 1080x3240 pixel resolution and 91.9 per
options. The smartphone features a
cent screen-to-body ratio. The display offers a water-drop notch and an
6.3-inch Full HD+ display with 21:9
in-display fingerprint sensor for security along with the hyperbola 3D
aspect ratio. The display is protected
glass design. The handset comes with a quad-lens camera at the back -- a
with a coating of scratch-resistant
64MP primary camera sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP portrait lens
glass. The phone sports a dual rear
and another 2MP ultra-macro lens. For selfies, the smartphone boasts a
camera setup that offers a 48MP
16MP camera with Sony IMX471 sensor. The smartphone is powered by
main sensor with Night Vision mode,
Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 SoC octa-core processor with Adreno 616
Quad Pixel technology, Dual LED
GPU and runs on ColorOS 6 based on Android 9 Pie operating system. The
flash and a 5MP secondary sensor
device houses 4,000mAh battery that comes with VOOC 3.0 fast charge
with f/2.2 aperture. The front of the
support and in-box 20w adapter. The handset also boasts of Dolby Atmos
smartphone is home to a 25MP selfie
sound support.
camera. The smartphone is powered by 2.2GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 9609 processor and runs
Redmi Note 7 Pro
C
hinese smartphone maker Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7 Pro, the handset is the company’s first smartphone with 48MP camera, was among one
of the most anticipated phones of 2019. The company has priced Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro (6GB+64GB) variant at Rs 13,999. It is also available in 6GB+128GB variant in three colour options -- Neptune Blue, Space Black and Nebula Red. The smartphone features a 6.3-inch full HD+ display with 19:9 aspect ratio and sports a dot notch screen. The display also offers two modes -- Sunlight Display and Reading Mode. The smartphone will automatically
adjust the brightness depending if you are indoors or outdoors. The Redmi Note 7 Pro comes with a 2.5D curved glass design on both front and back. The smartphone is also protected with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back panels. On the camera front, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro comes with the dual rear camera setup. The device sports a 48MP primary sensor paired with a 5MP depth sensor with LED flash. The 48MP main camera comes Android 9.0 Pie operating system out-of-the-box and offers 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage which can be expanded up to 512GB by adding a microSD card. It houses a 3,500 mAh battery with 15W TurboPower fast charging. On the connectivity front, it offers dual 4G, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC and USB Type C.
34 | december 2019
with a Sony IMX586 sensor and f/1.79 aperture. The 48MP camera is there in the Pro mode and otherwise, the smartphone will capture 12MP images. There’s a 13MP front camera for selfies. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro is powered by an octa-
core Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor
and runs Android
9.0 Pie operating system topped with
company’s layer of
MIUI 10. The smartphone houses a
4000mAh battery Qualcomm Quick front, the
and supports fast charging with Charge 4.0. On the connectivity smartphone offers Dual 4G, VoLTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and USB Type-C.
MYMOBILE
Realme 5
Infinix Hot 8
C
C
hinese smartphone maker Oppo’s sister company Realme announced
its Realme 5 along with Realme 5 Pro.
hina-based Transsion Holdings smartphone brand Infinix’s Hot 8
boasts of triple rear camera setup and
The lower version of the device is among
a 5,000mAh battery as its highlights.
one of the top phones in the budgeted
Priced at Rs 6,999, the smartphone
segment. Realme 5 was launched in India at Rs
is available in two colour options
9,999 for the 3GB+32GB storage variant. However,
Quetzal Cyan and Cosmic Purple. The
the smartphone is also available in 4GB+64GB and
smartphone sports a 6.52-inch IPS
4GB+128GB storage variants. Realme 5 sports 6.5-inch HD+ display
LCD screen of HD+ resolution with
with Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ for protection and comes in Crystal Blue
20:9 aspect ratio. On the camera
and Crystal Purple colour variants. The Realme 5 features a quad rear
front, the Infinix Hot 8 offers an 8MP
camera setup with a 12MP primary camera, an 8MP sensor, a 2MP macro
selfie camera. On the back, there is a
lens and a 2MP portrait lens. On the front, the device comes equipped
triple camera setup comprising 13MP
with a 13MP selfie camera with AI beautification technology. The dual-
primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor
smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC and runs Color
and allow-light
OS 6.0 based on Android 9 Pie. It Realme houses a 5,000mAh battery.
sensor. There is
Connectivity options on the Realme 5 include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac,
also support for
Bluetooth v5.0, a GPS/ A-GPS, a3.5mm headphone jack, and a Micro-USB
Custom Bokeh, AI
port. Sensors onboard include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor,
HDR, AI Beauty,
gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a proximity sensor.
Panorama. The
Year Ender
Feature
device is powered
vivo U10
by MediaTek
T
he Chinese smartphone brand vivo has also launched a budget
core processor
smartphone this year to compete with other brands in this segment.
and coupled with
Helio P22 octa-
Starting at Rs 8,990, the smartphone comes in three storage and variants
4GB RAM and
-- 3GB+32GB, 3GB+64GB and 4GB+64GB. Vivo U10 can be purchased
64GB internal
in two colour options -- Electric Blue and Thunder Black. The vivo U10
storage that can
comes equipped with 6.35-inch HD+ IPS display
be expanded up
with a waterdrop notch on the top. It also boasts
to 256GB. It runs
of triple-lens camera setup at the back. This
on XOS 5.0 based on Android 9.0 Pie
consists of a 13MP primary camera, 8MP wide-
out-of-the-box.
angle secondary camera and a third 2MP lens as a
The smartphone houses a
depth sensor. The smartphone comes powered by
5,000mAh battery. In terms of
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor
connectivity, the smartphone offers
and runs on FunTouch OS based on Android 9 Pie
dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi, GPS, OTG,
operating system. The smartphone features a rear-
Bluetooth 5.0 and a fingerprint sensor
mounted fingerprint sensor at the back for security.
as connectivity options. Sensors
Vivo U10 will be backed by 5,000mAh battery with
on the device include G-Sensor,
18 watt fast charging support.
Proximity, Light, Compass.
Conclusion
A
slow down, on the back of low consumer demand and
ccording to CMR’s India Mobile Handset Market
decreased shipments, in light of the existing channel
Review Report for the third quarter, mobile phone
inventory,” Anand Priya Singh, Analyst-IIG, CMR, said in
shipments are likely to touch 280 million units by the end of the fourth quarter this year. “Going forward, on the back of the record shipments in Q3 2019, we anticipate the fourth-quarter growth to
www.mymobileindia.com
a report. It will be interesting to see how the smartphone industry will perform in the upcoming year. vivek@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 35
Perspective
Feature
5 Biggest Technology Trends Everyone Must Get Ready for in 2020 By Pahi Mehra
I
n this modern era it seems like
a new edition in the
everything around us is constantly
world, but it has already
changing and getting better, and
transformed its way and
just like everything else technology is
made a place in the list of
also evolving faster than ever.
top technology trends.
As we enter into a new decade,
Computers are now
technology will continue to accelerate,
capable of learning
we will likely to see some massive
about the world just like
developments in 2020. Technology is
humans, and this is all
evolving at such a rapid pace that the
possible because of the
annual prediction of trends can seem
enormous increase in
out-of-date even before they go live. As
computing power and
technology is evolving, it is enabling
data, which has enabled
fact that the 5th generation of mobile
even faster progress, causing an
AI to advance at a lightning speed in a
internet connectivity is going to give us
acceleration of the rate of change, until
brief time.
super-fast download and upload speed
eventually, it will become exponential. So, companies and individuals
This is the sole reason why most of the companies have started to explore
as well as more stable connections. And by the time 2020 comes, the
that don’t keep up with some of the
how they can use AI to improve the
world would be under the spell of fast
major tech trends, run the risk of being
customer experience and streamline
internet connection already!
left behind. And with so many new
their business, by using personalization,
terms and technologies coming out
chatbots, behavior pattern
became available for the first time in
almost every day it is hard to keep up
reorganization and customer service
2019 in some parts of the world, they
with it. Here, take a closer look at the
automation. And this is predicted to
were mostly still expensive and limited
technological trends that are likely to
continue in 2020 as well, with massive
to functioning in confined areas or major
bring significant innovations growth in
development.
cities. 2020 is likely to be the year
the upcoming decade.
Artificial Intelligence as a Service Artificial Intelligence may seem like
And while people will increasingly
when 5G really starts to fly, with more
become used to with the technology, it
affordable data plans as well as greatly
also poses the threat of snatching away
improved coverage.
a lot of jobs in the coming year. The
The super-fast data network will not
faster AI will become more precise, the
only give us the ability to stream movies
less human intelligence it will need.
and music at the higher quality when
What is in store for the future of digital transformation?
5G Data Network Everyone in the world is aware of the
108 | october 2019
While 5G mobile data networks
we’re on the move but it will become more usable than the wired networks running into our homes and businesses. It will bring benefits like high internet speed, lower latency, and higher
MYMOBILE
capacities. These benefits will make 5G
relation between
one of the prime future technological
voice and
trends in 2020 and beyond.
technology was talking to our own
Blockchain
Automation
mobile devices, but it is long gone now.
Blockchain is a technology that is likely
Automation is a big tech term and can
We have seen some major developments
to get you a blank look, if mentioned to a
often be unclear as to what exactly it
in voice technology, from traditional
non-tech-savvy company. But 2020 can
means. It ultimately means technologies
text messaging the assistants to voice
finally be the year when that changes.
like cloud computing, updated robotics,
commands.
Almost half the population doesn’t have
big data. Almost all the software
any idea about this technology; however,
companies out there have made this
Siri have already acquainted us with
the rate at which it is growing it has
technology the key driver of their
the power of voice in conducting
made a pivotal place as one of the top
business.
everyday tasks, the applications have
technological trends to look out for. Blockchain is essentially a digital
From packaging juice boxes to
While technologies like Alexa and
still remained very limited. In the brief
delivering pizza in self-driving vehicles,
time of their existence these assistants
record book that registers all the online
automation has evolved in time from
have somehow fallen short of human
transactions and it is secured due to its
doing routine tasks to a lot more
expectations.
encrypted and decentralized nature.
complex, even decision-making tasks.
During 2019 there were some arguments
Automation has clearly moved ahead
that the technology is over-hyped and not
from its involvement in the production
as useful as seen. However, continued
lines to other spheres.
investments from tech giants like FedEx, IBM, Walmart and Mastercard showed
Perspective
Feature
And there are a number of ways automation will create its presence around us by becoming one of the most awaited new technologies of 2020. With other technologies like Robotics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, processes across multiple industries like Food and Beverage, Medical, and Customer Service is expected to become further streamlined and automated by the time 2020 hits
some real confidence in the technology, which led to an increase in quick adoption by smaller players. Amid all the speculations in the
our doors. While these are all expected routines of Automation technology, there is one
But we can expect the Voice-based
more interesting innovation coming out.
applications to make a mark in 2020.
market, famous US based social
In 2020 we will see efficiently working
The near future with a set of new
media giant, Facebook, is also fighting
autonomous vehicles. Amid a lot of test
upcoming technology trends will find
its way to launch its own blockchain-
runs and speculations Tesla is one of the
itself conducting more operations with
based crypto currently Libra, which
examples of this, while Volkswagen has
a voice command. In only a matter of
has already created a stir. And if
also invested big time in its autonomous
time, every device around us will be able
everything’s goes as planned 2020 will
vehicle project, and other companies
to function and perform actions with
see some major developments with the
are also coming up with same projects
a command of our voice. Voice-based
technology.
around the world.
applications will find a greater place in
People who are currently unaware of what Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Voice
are, and where they can spend them, will
The future of technologies in 2020 will
start doing their everyday transactions
be incomplete without Voice.
with them.
www.mymobileindia.com
There was a time when the only
users’ everyday activities. n So here are 5 best technological trends that are going to see mass adoption in 2020. Are you ready for them? pahi@mymobile.co.in
December 2019 | 37
In Conversation
face to face
“RCS is the future of messaging” Messaging has undergone a massive change with the arrival of new platforms, from WhatsApp and Messenger to WeChat. And the latest one to rock this space in India is the Rich Communication Services (RCS), which is said to be an answer to the government’s localisation problems. It has often been called SMS 2.0 and close to Apple’s iMessage. To discuss more about the RCS and how it can be a feasible replacement for instant messaging apps, Ramesh Kumar Raja talked to Rajdip Gupta, MD and Group CEO of Route Mobile, a cloud communication platform provider for over the top players and mobile network operators (MNO). Excerpts: How do you look at the trend of messaging
the messaging industry.
utility providers, restaurants, etc. using a
in India? The A2P (application-to-person)
Currently, the market is divided
single advanced messaging application.
messaging is going to touch 7.4 billion
between SMS, different OTT providers
A reputed research report predicted
messages daily by 2022 and the number
and RCS. The user base for major IP
that by 2020, 85 per cent of customer
of smartphone users in India is predicted
messaging services is predicted to exceed
interactions will be managed without a
to leap by 2022, there will be 829 million
4 billion users globally and will provide
human and the AI chatbots will play a key
smartphone users in India. As per GSMA,
opportunities for operators to innovate
role in that transformation.
there are greater than 300 million active
and offer new messaging services for
Future will see aggregators providing
users of RCS (Rich Communication
enterprises and deliver more promising
enhanced advanced messaging with
Services) and it is set to have a market
outcomes for end-users as they have done
chatbots and plugins to deliver the richer
worth of $74 billion by 2021. The GSMA
for RCS.
experience to consumers while giving
report reveals that there is a consumer-
As AI chatbot technology matures,
enterprises to take advantage of the direct
driven demand for different types of
it will make customer service intuitive,
nature of application-to-person (A2P) IP
messaging, over 51 per cent of them
personalised and more chat-based than
messaging in future.
expect 24/7/365 answers and service
before. Customers will interact with banks,
from businesses. It is an exciting time for
e-commerce sites, airlines, railways,
38 | december 2019
The recent WhatsApp snoopgate row
MYMOBILE
has brought to light the ugly picture of
and sending and receiving messages use
with an SMS fallback mechanism if the
an instant messaging platform that how
cellular data. This also makes it possible
message is not delivered. Unlike SMS, it
one’s data is not secure. What’s your take
to send a message via Wi-Fi if your mobile
is not limited to 160 characters.
on it? The biggest market for WhatsApp
data signal is low, or if you are low on data.
OTT messaging services have now
is in India with over 200 million users
RCS provides even more finesse in terms
become platforms to introduce and
which sometimes crosses 300 million.
of cloud communication for business as
monetise new services, such as music,
Digital transformation has always
compared to iMessage and has serious
gaming and payments that are enhanced
come with a risk of data security and
advantages over it. Previously, iMessaging
by the use of chatbots and AI. WeChat
any messenger platform can be a target
was a gold standard in messaging.
and Kakkao are such examples in Asia.
of such an advanced attack, however,
RCS supports Google Pay in selected
unfortunately, Whatsapp was targeted
As RCS has a universal profile in India,
regions and other popular third-party
as it is the most popular messenger in
it will work with any phone, although
payment options which will lead to faster
India and almost every Indian has a
Apple will need to include this support
checkout which in turn will lead to a higher
WhatsApp application installed on
on devices. Google has even bought
conversion rate.
their smartphone. Whatsapp Business
Jibe Mobile and is using the Jibe Cloud
RCS is more like an open platform
Solutions is working to upgrade its
platform. This has helped Google enable
supported by a complex ecosystem,
encryption feature with Nasscom and the
which is collaborative and competitive
central government.
at the same time and offers the “RCS has same benefits as SMS in terms of features similar to iMessage, What needs to be done to ensure guaranteed message delivery, secure such sort of incidents never happen connection, extremely low latency, such as rich message texting and again? Is data localization the regulatory compliance, and sending and receiving messages use solution to it? Data localisation much more. cellular data. This also makes it possible is one of the solutions, not Unlike popular OTT apps, to send a message via Wi-Fi if your mobile the only solution. As the RCS’ commercial models do data travels over an operator not monetize user data to data signal is low, or if you are low on network, it stays within the enable targeted advertising. data. RCS provides even more finesse country’s border and within in terms of cloud communication for its jurisdiction of laws. With Does RCS hold any importance other messaging apps, the to iPhones/iOS as well, especially business as compared to iMessage data travels through a company’s considering its very own messaging and has serious advantages servers, thereby crossing the platform? The RCS partnership over it” country’s borders and making it out of with Samsung and Android messages reach of its legal jurisdiction.
In Conversation
face to face
provides a successful means for cloud and business messaging, which puts in
There’s a lot of buzz around Rich Communication Services. Do you think it’ll
direct competition with Apple’s iMessage carriers to launch RCS quickly.
be a game-changer in an industry where the
which has its perks over the complicated messaging involved across Android
majority of people use Android smartphones?
Can you please tell us about the technicalities
phones. However, RCS also has certain
As of 2019, Android holds 91 per cent
involved and how RCS is going to impact
serious advantages over iMessage. If
share of the smartphone operating system
other platforms? Owing to the technological
Apple joins hands with RCS messaging,
market in India and almost 75 per cent
challenges and rigidness involved in
there will be a unified messaging standard
worldwide, which makes a serious game-
developing a medium as efficient yet
across all handsets and wireless carriers.
changer, not only for the Android users but
simple as that of an SMS, RCS began its
It would be seamless for brands and
also for the iOS users, as it will offer stiff
journey at a steady pace. Considering the
software providers as they would have a
competition to iMessage.
need of having a two-way communication
single standard type of message to every
In the past, iMessage had been a strong
process, RCS Business Messaging is the
subscriber instead of creating two separate
contender that has swayed Android users
answer that addresses all the limitations
experiences of separately structured texts.
to iOS systems. RCS has features similar
of traditional one-way messaging. It is
Currently, although the content is the
to iMessage, such as rich message texting
an enhancement to an SMS as it comes
same, the difference lies in the structure
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 39
In Conversation
face to face of the message. It depends on how Apple
messaging and this association will
few carriers is still pending. Even though
or RCS wants that structure to look like on
showcase innovative approach, enhance the
RCS has a universal profile in India, phones
its mobile phones.
momentum for various industries, towards
need to have this support but most of them
RCS has a universal profile that was
advanced messaging and accelerate the
don’t have, which has slowed down the
launched in India in 2016, which makes
awareness of next-generation technology
implementation.
it flexible on any mobile device, while
in India.
the same is not with iOS. As long as the
The future will see RCS go completely app less and consumers in India using
wireless provider, device manufacturer,
What’s your expectation and what’re the
it for payments, customer support
and operating system support the feature,
challenges with regard to RCS in India?
and much more. For example, Uber will
messages can be shared using this new
Has it the potential to disrupt the messaging
not need an app, all transactions can
standard, unlike iOS.
landscape over here? RCS supports all
happen on RCS. Chatting with a friend or a relative will be a similar experience
Since RCS is mostly said to be about
to chatting via RCS for a car booking “Google has company. finally come out and decided it is for a general smartphone users? An entire customer journey can be The industry has been constantly mapped with RCS: to give the Rich communication Allows users to chat working for over a decade on RCS experience to over a billion Android directly with the driver, protocol. Google has finally users by rolling out its RCS protocol that will sending pick up messages, come out and decided to give make purchases, upgrades, the Rich communication let users experience features like group chat or changes via a simple, yet experience to over a billion functionality, high-res attachments, typing rich chat experience Android users by rolling out indicators etc for P2P communications. Provides a self-service its RCS protocol that will let option that is available users experience features Features like carousels-suggested replies, rich round-the-clock. like group chat functionality, cards and more such A2P features Find a driver in high-res attachments, typing for enterprises/brands are enabled a nearby location or track indicators etc for P2P (personthe location of the driver via maps. to-person) communications. on the beta version of Android Sends location-based Features like carousels-suggested messages as well” business communication, how relevant
n
n
n
n
replies, rich cards and more such A2P
personalised responses, guided
features for enterprises/brands are enabled
navigation, delivering notifications and
on the beta version of Android messages
Android devices in India. Currently,
advice that is suited to the user’s needs
as well. Currently, to experience RCS, the
Vodafone, Airtel and Jio are the three major
and preference via suggested actions and
Android users have to update their Android
service providers which will support RCS in
replies via a chatbot. Thus, RCS gets a
Messaging Client which is nothing but the
India. However, Reliance Jio has already
faster query resolution through guidance
messages app to the beta version from the
introduced RCS services to its customers. It
at every step than with an app.
Play Store.
has brought LTE-quality RCS voice services
Facilitates digital payment transactions
n
It lets users chat with their contacts and
to about 100 million customers in less than
as RCS is integrated with third-party
exchange high-resolution images, GIFs,
six months with JioCall, which turned out to
payment apps such as Google Pay and
emoji, stickers, videos and audio messages
be the largest RCS active user base across
Paypal.
from within the chat session. It also allows
the globe.
users to send and receive messages over
Any Android smartphone user on any
From a UX point of view, users would not
Wi-Fi or mobile data -- unlike traditional
telecom operator can now opt for RCS.
like to go to a third screen and open an
SMS messages that require cellular
When RCS, having a Universal Profile, was
app. It is a lot of work when everything
network connectivity. Just like SMS, RCS
launched in 2016, about two OS makers,
can be done on their regular native
uses mobile number as the identifier for
47 mobile operators, and 11 smartphone
messaging app via RCS. Users do not
the recipient.
makers came forward to support it. All
want to download multiple apps for every
Android users can now install RCS within
brand when all this can be done within
few minutes.
the native messaging on mobile with new
Route Mobile recently joined hands with Google to bring RCS in India. What’s the
Although most major national carriers
way forward plan? RCS is the future of
are on board, the interoperability with a
40 | december 2019
technology. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
ADVT.
Mega 3-in-1 International Sourcing Fair –
Your Gateway to International Sourcing
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: 3 International Sourcing Fairs, 1 Location
with our decision to participate at this
Appliances Exhibition (CEI) showcased
show.”
a wide range of products like Home
Prashant Salunkhe of NPAV Antivirus
Entertainment, Telecommunications,
@ Home World Expo – Future Living
said, “Ours is an IT product and as such
In-Vehicle Electronics, Digital Imaging
India Consumer Electronics & Home
was a unique product on display at this
Equipment, Healthcare Electronics,
fair. However, the positive responses we
Wearables, Computers & Peripherals,
got made us believe that this is, in fact, a
Office Automation & Equipment,
very good platform.”
Large Appliances, Kitchen Appliances,
n n
Appliances Exhibition The 17th China Products (Mumbai
n
India) Exhibition
Home Appliances and Personal Care
The Mega 3-In-1 International Sourcing
Nehal Ganatra of Bhalaria Metal Craft
Fair took place at the Bombay Exhibition
stated, “This is the second time we are
Centre (BEC), Goregaon East, Mumbai,
participating at this show and we are
The 17th China Products (Mumbai
from November 14-16, 2019, presenting
pleased with the quality of serious industry
India) Exhibition saw pavilions of various
quality international suppliers for
buyers visiting this show. Buyers from
provinces of China including Hong Kong
Home Décor, Consumer Electronics &
top e-commerce and other companies
and Guangdong presenting their specialty
Appliances.
from India and abroad visited and we are
products.
The essence of this trade platform was to make available quality and innovative consumer products from different parts
pleased about the business prospects we are cultivating on this platform.” The Mega 3-In-1 International Sourcing
of the world to discerning Indian buyers.
Fair bridged the
More than 9500 Indian businesspeople
demand-supply
from across the country took advantage
gap by boosting
of the show to forge new business ties
manufacturing
with global manufacturers and traders.
and
Exhibitors were also pleased with the
Products showcased included Hotel Supplies, Gifts & Stationery, Toys & Games, Building Materials, Construction
t ra d i n g
opportunities
quality of buyers who visited them and
for
spoke positively of new deals being made
entrepreneurs.
in new markets with buyers showing
The fair brings
positive interest in their products.
together the
Gaurav Pardeshi of Roidmi said,
Appliances.
Indian
home décor,
“Buyers from across India visited us and
consumer electronics & appliances and
Equipment, Auto Parts & Accessories,
made serious inquiries. We were surprised
other relevant industries under one roof.
Machinery, Hardware, Garments &
that people as far as South and East India
@Home World Expo - Future Living
Fashion Accessories, Office Supplies &
visited this show and with the number
is the premium B2B home exhibition
Equipment, Medical & Pharmaceuticals
of positive enquiries generated on this
and international business platform
and many more.
platform we will be participating in this
showcasing multiple categories to
To increase business opportunities, the
show next year as well.”
make Indian industries and trade
Mega 3-In-1 International Sourcing Fair
Lepu Technologies’ Vivek Jhawar said,
more competitive. The major exhibit
created networking pavilions, customised
“We are a medical technology company
categories at the Expo were Home Décor,
one-to-one business matching and
but the interest showed in our products by
Home Furniture, Tableware & Glassware,
industry seminars. The show brought
the visitors was nothing short of amazing.
Kitchen Essentials Decorative Lighting
together focused buyers and exhibitors
We were not aware that interest would be
and Wellness.
from multiple categories, creating a
so high at this show and are very pleased
The India Consumer Electronics & Home
winning synergy for everybody. n
The exhibition is organized by SingEx Exhibitions Pte Ltd (Singapore), Worldex-Singex Exhibition (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd and Worldex India Exhibition and Promotion Pvt. Ltd. For further information visit: www.athomeworldexpo.com OR http://www.ceifair.com OR http://chinamumbaiexpo.com
In Conversation
face to face
“India moving in right direction to become telecom equipment leader” UTStarcom helps network operators thrive by offering their customers the most innovative, reliable and cost-effective communication services. The product line includes innovative, technologically advanced platforms that leverage expertise in packet optical communications, routing and switching technologies, broadband access, wireless communications and synchronization. UTStarcom is investing heavily to further develop key products that provide the infrastructure for future of networking with intelligent Segment Routing (SR)-based routers, broadband access solutions, synchronization equipment and Software Defined Networking platforms. Our correspondent Vivek Singh Chauhan spoke to Rahul Pandey, Managing Director, UTStarcom India, to know more on same. Here’s the edited excerpt of the interaction. How important the Indian market is for
disruptive products and solutions to
How much dominance of 5G we can expect
you? What are your expansion plans? As
largely address the needs of the Indian
in your services?India is gearing up for
a global telecom infrastructure provider,
market. Furthermore, to meet the price
5G roll-out and is actively participating
UTStarcom provides next-generation
requirements of the market, we embrace
in carving the future of global telecom
broadband telecommunication solutions
the ‘Make in India’ campaign and work
sector. Along with technology
to our customers worldwide. Specifically,
with local manufacturing companies to
advancement, the country is emerging
India has been one of the key markets
produce our equipment in India.
as an active contributor to the industry’s
in the last several years for us. We have
standardization process. One of the
been working with customers in India
important aspects related to 5G rollout
and the SAARC region including key
is the transport network infrastructure
telecom operators and service providers
– a critical pre-requisite and enabler of
since 2001. Our mission in India is
efficient 5G network deployment. That is
to build faster, more reliable and cost-
where UTStarcom’s solutions come into
effective networks based on the latest
play providing excellent transport network
technologies, enabling fast adoption of
for 5G based on our cutting-edge packet
modern communication services across
optical networking technologies and
India. We are consistently working on
products.
42 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
Our next-generation communications
hubs for telecom equipment. The
applications in a cost-effective manner,
platform SkyFlux integrates several key
country is strategically moving in the
offering excellent network flexibility
technologies including Flex Ethernet
right direction to take the centre stage
and service agility, very high bandwidth
(FlexE) lightweight TDM Ethernet
of telecom equipment manufacturing.
and overall network capacity, excellent
transport, Segment Routing tunnelling
As we are seeing more demand in the
scalability, multi-layer network slicing,
technology, and highly accurate time
Indian market, we think it is crucial to
extra-low latency, very high timing
synchronization over the packet, all
have the local talent to customise our
accuracy, and many others. The solution
tightly integrated with Software Defined
technology accordingly. To meet the price
is optimized for use by mobile network
Networking (SDN) platform. We believe
requirements of the market, we embrace
operators and broadband service providers
that this unique platform provides a
the ‘Make in India’ campaign and work
as an efficient backhaul/metro aggregation/
perfect solution for 4G/5G mobile network
with local manufacturing companies to
transport network.
transport that can meet all the complex
produce our equipment in India.
requirements.
What kind of products can we expect from How would you address the complex
you in the coming times? We are very much
What are your investment and expansion
requirements of 5G networks, cloud-based
determined to continue focusing our
plans in India with a focus on 5G and
services and video streaming applications?
main efforts on our key areas of expertise
development of other solutions for emerging market segments including IoT, smart retail, and intelligent network edge? UTStarcom has always been a company that drives innovation, not afraid to experiment and be the first to develop and/ or integrate new technologies into our products and solutions. With constant innovation and attention to customers’ needs, we significantly deliver an attractive offering to our existing and potential customers in today’s
– packet optical networking solutions,
“With favourable policies, the rise in mobile telephony and deeper penetration of smart devices, India has a huge potential to become one of the biggest manufacturing hubs for telecom equipment”
challenging and dynamic telecom market.
broadband access and SDN. With coming of 5G and growing demand for IoT, M2M, Smart Cities, Cloud-based services and Data Center Interconnect, as well as in view of encouraging plans related to development of fiber and wireless infrastructure in our key international markets, we see a lot of opportunities for us in which we can apply our knowledge and spirit of innovation for the benefit of the industry, supporting smooth roll-outs of 5G and fast adoption of other new
We are very optimistic about India’s 5G
applications. At the same time, we are
technology roadmap. We have already
5G mobile technology and emerging
interested in exploring and continuing
started our engagement with stakeholders
new applications including AR/VR, IoT,
our investments into the development of
on the next-generation of technology. With
automated driving, Cloud-based services,
solutions for emerging market segments
5G, we have developed various solutions
video streaming and many other bring
including IoT, smart retail, and intelligent
including slicing packet network and we
a variety of requirements to transport
network edge.
have successfully passed through some
network infrastructure for bandwidth,
At the recently concluded Indian
of the commercial trials. In this quarter
latency, timing accuracy, reliability,
Mobile Congress 2019, we have also
we are expecting the big business globally
energy efficiency, cost. While satisfying
showcased our product portfolio for
from three major operators which will be
each individual requirement is possible
5G based on Next Generation
later announced by the company. In India,
with existing networking solutions, the
Technologies comprising Slicing
it is yet not started because the spectrum
telecommunications industry is facing a
Based Transport Solution, 5G Indoor
is yet not given.
huge challenge of meeting them all on
Coverage Solution and solutions for end
the same transport network infrastructure
to end network synchronization. Our
serving 5G or other access technologies.
exhibit also included optimized solutions
Do you think India will become a centre of telecom equipment manufacturing and
The SkyFlux SPN platform combines
for mobile backhaul, metro aggregation,
low-cost telecom products? If so, then how?
advanced technologies, high performance
broadband access, Network Core, Smart
With favourable policies, the rise in mobile
and clever architecture of Slicing Packet
Cities and more, which enable Service
telephony and deeper penetration of smart
Network (SPN) technology to enable
Providers to evolve their Networks
devices, India has a huge potential to
network operators to meet the complex
significantly. n
become one of the biggest manufacturing
mix of requirements from 5G and other
www.mymobileindia.com
In Conversation
face to face
vivek@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 43
Trendz
Market insight
Signs of Recovery in Global Smartphone Market While Samsung led the market with 21% share, Realme emerged as the fastest growing brand, jumping to seventh spot
T
he global smartphone market
India and China, the two top-focus markets
markets such as Europe, Latin America and
remained almost flat during
for every player in the mobile value chain. In
Middle East due to the lack of shipping new
Q3 2019, reaching 380
India, smartphone OEMs started preparing
models with Google services gives a window
million units in shipments,
early for the festive Diwali season this year
of opportunity especially Samsung, Xiaomi
as compared to 379.8 million units in Q3
with healthy channel buildups. In China,
and others to capture share away.”
2018. In terms of brands, Huawei, Realme
Huawei, Oppo and Vivo (HOV) continued
“Huawei, though will have to be careful
and Samsung registered positive growth,
to see healthy channel demand ahead of
of the inventory levels in domestic market
increasing their market share globally.
National Day Golden Week holiday break
as the market could quickly transition to
Stronger demand in India and China in
in October which led the market to grow
the upcoming 5G wave which could affect
September helped the global smartphone
a positive 6% sequentially. This along
its market share in coming quarters,”
market to halt the seven-month streak of
with upcoming holiday season in the
Pathak added.
year-on-year (YoY) declines.
next quarter, should drive up the overall
Peter Richardson, Research Director at
Commenting on the smartphone market
smartphone demand into a positive growth
Counterpoint, while commenting on the
recovery, Shobhit Srivastava, Research
territory for the second half of this year
5G progress, highlighted, “The 5G rollouts
Analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted,
compared to the last year.”
from both networks and devices over the
“The global smartphone market ended a
Huawei continued to defy the market
past twelve months have been faster than
long period of continuous YoY declines in
decline with a 4% increase in market share
the 4G era, and we expect the rollouts to
Q3 2019 due to increased shipments in
globally.
further accelerate going into 2020. 5G
Talking about Huawei’s continued
smartphones already accounted for 2%
growth, Tarun Pathak, Associate Director
of the market in Q3 2019, growing over
at Counterpoint Research, said,
200% sequentially. China has already
“The US trade ban on Huawei
commenced rolling out the 5G networks
did not affect the overall
and the massive market scale it brings for
brand’s shipments and
the entire industry will make 2020 the
growth in Q3 2019 after
breakout year for 5G. This should catalyze
the uncertainties in June.
the slowing smartphone volume demand
Huawei’s strategy to
over the past couple of years and certainly
supplement its decline
continue to boost the upward trend in the
in overseas market share
overall smartphone Average-Selling-Price
with domestic push
(ASP).”
paid off handsomely. The rising sense of
Key Takeaways:
nationalism towards
• The top three brands, Samsung, Huawei
Huawei amidst US-
and Apple, together cornered almost
China trade war coupled
half of the smartphone market, with
with aggressive go-to-market
the rest of the market left for hundreds
strategy in China helped Huawei
44 | december 2019
of other brands to compete fiercely.
boost mindshare and marketshare
• Samsung continued its growth at
domestically. Outside China, the
8.4% YoY, capturing over one-fifth of
widening gap being created in overseas
the global smartphone market. This
MYMOBILE
Exhibit: Smartphone Shipment Market Share 2019 Q3 Global Smartphone Shipments (Millions Units)
2018Q3
2019Q3
Samsung
72.3
78.4
Huawei
52.0
66.8
Apple
46.9
44.8
Oppo
33.9
32.7
Xiaomi
33.3
31.7
Vivo
30.5
29.5
1.3
10.2
Motorola
11.5
10.0
LG
10.5
7.7
Realme
“The US trade ban on Huawei did not affect the overall brand’s shipments and growth in Q3 2019 after the uncertainties in June. Huawei’s strategy to supplement its decline in overseas market share with domestic push paid off handsomely. The rising sense of nationalism towards Huawei amidst US-China trade war coupled with aggressive go-to-market strategy in China helped Huawei boost mindshare and marketshare domestically” – Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Counterpoint Research
Tecono
4.6
5.0
Others
83.1
63.2
379.8
380.0
Total Global Smartphone Shipments (% Share)
2018Q3
2019Q3
Samsung
19.0%
20.6%
Huawei
13.7%
17.6%
Apple
12.3%
11.8%
Oppo
8.9%
8.6%
Xiaomi
8.8%
8.3%
Vivo
8.0%
7.8%
Realme
0.3%
2.7%
Motorola
3.0%
2.6%
LG
2.8%
2.0%
Tecno
1.2%
1.3%
21.9%
16.6%
100.0%
100.0%
Others
**Lenovo includes Motorola
Total
*Huawei includes Honor
Source : Counterpoint Research
and maintain momentum. Huawei’s
as well as introducing a new palette of
loss in overseas market would be a big
colours, stimulated demand during the
opportunity for Samsung in coming
last week of September offsetting the
quarters.
sharp annual decline earlier months.
• Huawei grew a very healthy 28.5%
• Realme remained the fastest-growing
YoY globally. It captured a record 40%
brand for the second time. It also
market share in the Chinese smartphone
climbed up the ladder in global rankings
market. As it continues its aggressive
since its last appearance. This is one of
push in the market, it will have to keep
the fastest ramp-ups of companies to
a check on inventory levels in China and
date. Strong performances in India and
Europe in Q4 2019.
expansions overseas drove its growth.
• Apple iPhone shipments were down
This was also the fourth consecutive
4%, and as a result revenues fell 11%
quarter that Realme was within the top
YoY. The positive response for the latest
5 brands in India.
iPhone 11 series during the tail end of
• BBK Group (Oppo, Vivo, Realme and
the quarter is a silver lining for Apple
OnePlus) is close to becoming the
going into the holiday season quarter.
largest smartphone manufacturer group
In US pre-orders and the first week
globally, accounting for over 20% of the
is due to strong Note 10 and Galaxy A
of sales saw early adopters buying
global smartphone market and three of
series sales. The company also posted
more of the iPhone 11 Pro Max and
its brands in the top 10.
an increased profit with an improved
iPhone 11 Pro but the iPhone 11 rose
The market consolidated further with
product mix. The company will continue
quickly then on into the top seller’s list.
the top 10 brands’ market share increasing
to launch new A series smartphones,
Apple’s price corrections in China and
to 83% from 78% a year ago. n
including some models with 5G, to try
elsewhere with the iPhone 11 and XR,
www.mymobileindia.com
Trendz
Market insight
team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 45
Trendz
Market insight
A Record-High in India Smartphone Shipments While Xiaomi continues to lead with one number position, Realme, Vivo, OnePlus and itel were the fastest growing brands shipping record volumes in Q3 2019
D
efying the economic
of digital content consumption, commerce
Oppo reached a record sell-in levels in Q3
slowdown trends in other
and communication, the smartphone has
2019. The growth and maturity of online
sectors, the India smartphone
become central to people’s lives taking a
channels from serving more zip codes than
shipments hit a record high
priority in terms of their share of wallet.
ever coupled with greater customer service,
of 49 million units, posting a 10 per cent
Further, the smartphone brands continue to
attractive promotions from discounts to
year-on-year growth in the third quarter
expand their product portfolio with attractive
cashback to EMI and exchange offers will
of 2019, according to a research from
advanced features from quad camera to
be pivotal in driving smartphone sales
Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service.
full view display to fast-charging larger
during this festive season and also taking a
The growth was driven by a spell of new
battery for the mainstream and the mass
large share from the offline channels.
launches in the run up to the all-important
market. As a result, this holiday season,
While the smartphone market registered
festive season, aggressive marketing and
we estimate the demand for smartphones
double-digit growth YoY, the feature phone
attractive promotions from discounts
will supersede other categories despite
market witnessed a steep decline of approx.
and cashbacks to no cost EMI on online
uncertain economic climate.”
37% YoY due to the slowdown in the new
channels and exchange offers. Meanwhile,
Speaking of the competitive landscape,
shipments from Reliance Jio as the operator
feature phone sales registered a steep
Anshika Jain, Research Analyst at
was focused on clearing the older JioPhone
decline of approximately 37 percent year-
Counterpoint Research, said, “The
inventory ahead of Diwali season. As a result,
on-year during the quarter.
smartphone shipments reached a record-
the players such as itel, Lava and Karbonn
Talking about the market dynamics, Karn
level, now accounting for two in three
registered positive annual growth despite
Chauhan, Research Analyst at Counterpoint
mobile phones sold. This was mainly driven
the overall segment declined. In fact, itel
Research, said, “The India smartphone
by the spree of pre-festive season launches,
emerged as the number two feature phone
market grew double digits reaching a record
aggressive marketing and incentivised
brand in Q3 2019.
49 million units in Q3 2019 offsetting
channel strategy to maintain sufficient
the ongoing economic slowdown in other
inventory to cash in on the festive season.
Market Summary:
sectors. Given maturity of users in terms
Chinese brands Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme and
• Xiaomi recorded the highest ever
46 | december 2019
shipments with a 26% share. Its
India Smartphone Shipment Market Share (%)
Q3 2018
Q3 2019
Xiaomi
27%
26%
segment. Redmi 7A, Redmi Note 7
Samsung
23%
20%
Pro and Redmi Note 7S were the best
VIVO
10%
17%
Realme
3%
16%
YoY, however, it has shown 3% growth
OPPO
8%
8%
QoQ driven by its budget segment
Others
29%
13%
Total
100%
100%
Q3 2018
Q3 2019
Samsung
17%
22%
ITEL
8%
16%
LAVA
9%
16%
NOKIA
8%
12%
KARBONN
2%
7%
Others
56%
27%
Total
100%
100%
shipments grew 7% YoY driven by good performance of its models in the online
performing smartphones for the brand. • Samsung shipments declined by 4%
device Galaxy A2 Core and its upgraded A series and M series (A30s, M30s, A10s, A50s and M10s). Samsung
“Given maturity of users in terms of digital content consumption, commerce and communication, the smartphone has become central to people’s lives taking a priority in terms of their share of wallet. Further, the smartphone brands continue to expand their product portfolio with attractive advanced features from quad camera to full view display to fast-charging larger battery for the mainstream and the mass market”
—Karn Chauhan Research Analyst, Counterpoint
India Feature Phone Shipment Market Share (%)
registered sequential as well as annual strong in the premium segment due to the introduction of Galaxy Note 10 series in the third quarter. • Vivo reached its highest ever share in the India smartphone market driven by good performance of its mid-segment series (Vivo S1 and Y17) and increased focus towards the online segment with its recently launched devices, U10, Z1X and Z1 Pro. • Realme also recorded its highest ever shipments and is the fastest growing brand registering a 6x growth as compared to last year when it entered the Indian market. Driven by an attractive spec and design focused mid-tier portfolio and aggressive online channel strategy, promotions, the Realme saw consistent growth in the market since its entry. Towards the end of the quarter, Realme raced to third largest brand with strong sell-in into the channels ahead of the festive season. Realme C2, Realme 3i and Realme 5 series were the best-selling devices for the brand in Q3 2019.
www.mymobileindia.com
•
Trendz
Market insight
Oppo grew 12% YoY, due to demand for its budget segment device A5s and steady performance of its F11 series. • itel grew 40% YoY driven by strong offline expansion, focus on upgrading its affordable series with new features and localized marketing strategy. itel was the number one smartphone brand in less than Rs 5,000 (US$ 70) retail price segment in offline channels. • Transsion Group (itel, Infinix and Tecno), together was ranked the number six OEM in the India smartphone market during Q3 2019. • OnePlus emerged as the number one premium smartphone brand in Q3 2019 with its shipments getting almost doubled as compared to last year driven by its newly launched device, OnePlus 7T and discount offers on its OnePlus 7 series. • Apple made an entry into the top 10 smartphone brands due to price cuts on XR model along with good channel demand for of its newly launched iPhone 11. n team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 47
In Conversation
face to face
“Skullcandy is focused to grow and provide amazing products for Indian consumers” US-based audio brand Skullcandy that markets headphones, earphones, hands-free devices, audio backpacks, MP3 players and other products, was founded by Rick Alden and cofounder Cris Williams in 2003. Amlan Bhattacharjya, Founder and CEO of Brand Eyes, the official distributor of the brand in India, spoke to our correspondent Vivek Singh Chauhan about many things, including their marketing strategy and product portfolio. Bhattacharjya founded Brand Eyes in 2008 with a clear goal to deliver to the Indian consumers the latest trends in consumer electronics and become a leading digital lifestyle distribution company in India. Here’s the edited excerpt of the interaction. What are the innovations that we can expect
known as noise cancellation, or active
transmit the L channel (left) and the
from Skullcandy aimed at disrupting the
noise reduction (ANR), is a method for
channel R (right) separately.
audio segment in India? Currently, we are
reducing unwanted sound by the addition
We intend to disrupt this segment
focusing on active noise control (ANC) and
of a second sound specifically designed to
with some innovative features like Tile
true wireless stereo (TWS) segment as it
cancel the first. TWS refers to a technology
Bluetooth Tracking, Wireless Charging,
is a natural evolution for the industry at
which allows you to pair two audio devices
Lightning Port, USB C port products with
this point.
via Bluetooth, meaning that you can
rich audio to address the needs of the
Active noise control (ANC), also
discerning consumer.
“We intend to disrupt this segment with some innovative features like Tile Bluetooth Tracking, Wireless Charging, Lightning Port, USB C port products with rich audio to address the needs of the discerning consumer” 48 | december 2019
Can you briefly share your product portfolio? Currently, we cater a full suite of products fulfilling the requirement of the consumer with varied lifestyle. ANC is a focused segment for us and we intend to be a serious contender in this segment. Presently we have three ANC products in our portfolio in different form factors with more in the pipeline. What according to you is the most successful product of yours till now? In the headphones
MYMOBILE
face to face we have two product offerings, the Venue being our first product that featured ANC and our latest offering is the Crusher ANC. In the TWS, we have 3 products at this time. We met with great success with Indy and we are going strong with our latest launch in this segment the Sesh, which brings great features and rich audio experience at a pocket-friendly price. In the in-ear category, we have our latest avatar of Method with ANC feature and backed by Tile to provide you with the motivation for your workouts. Talking about the most successful product until now is a difficult thing to answer. There have been multiple success stories over the years. The Indian market
“Our target audience is anyone who appreciates good sound quality and a feature-rich product. As the market is constantly evolving, we see a mix of demographics who are the customers of Skullcandy with the common denominating factor being the appreciation for quality audio”
What is your approach to the “aftersales service”? After-sales service is an aspect for any brand to succeed. We are confident about the build and quality of the product and it goes through rigorous
has embraced the brand and we have
Skullcandy is a prominent name in the
QC checks before any products are
some great products under our belt.
industry in India and we are focused to
launched.
If we talk about headphones, we have
grow and provide some amazing products
We provide two years warranty on our
had great success with Crusher BT and
for the Indian consumer. Our target
entire product range and have to service
now with Crusher ANC, we are expecting it
audience is anyone who appreciates good
centres PAN India.
to be a runaway success as it features the
sound quality and a feature-rich product.
signature immersive bass of the Crusher
As the market is constantly evolving,
What are your outreach and investment plans
family with added features like ANC, Tile
we see a mix of demographics who are
and which platform you are going to exploit
Tracking and Personalized audio.
the customers of Skullcandy with the
more, online or offline? We have made
common denominating factor being the
significant investments in the offline
appreciation for quality audio.
space by deploying endcaps in the retail
In the in-ear segment, we have Ink’d wireless which is a great product that has been loved by the Indian consumer since
environment for customer experience
the day it was launched and now, we have
Amid the competition from high-end audio
and will continue to do so in the future.
launched a refreshed lineup for Ink’d with
brands, what is Skullcandy’s go-to-market
We have also started a unique campaign
the Ink’d Plus Active paired with Tile with
strategy? Our focus with any new product
called the “12 Moods” which features
the rich audio experience.
is to provide the customers with a rich
new limited-edition products every
product description across all platforms,
month which is exclusively available on
How important the Indian market is for
a good product, enhanced product
Skullcandy.in, backed with rich content
Skullcandy? Who is your targeted audience?
experience at the offline store with robust
which features a new music video every
Indian market is very important for us.
after-sales service.
month. We connect through social media channels with our fans, clubbing it with contests and giveaways every month to keep our fans coming back for more. We are also focused on the millennials and take part in various college activities PAN India. We try to keep a healthy balance between online and offline as we want our fans to be able to connect with us and enjoy our products no matter which medium they choose. n vivek@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 49
Tried & Tested
burntest
vivo U20
Upgraded Display, Processor with Huge Battery
O
ne very good
Design
the bottom side of the phone
and punchy. The big-screen
thing about vivo
The new vivo U20 holds an
has a 3.5mm headphone
space of the phone under
which allows
aesthetic appeal to it which
jack, micro USB port, and a
such range is surely an
it to be in the
comes from the racing black
speaker grille. The front fascia
advantageous point on which
ace of top competitors is the
color of the phone. The shiny
of the phone is dominated by
the company is capitalizing.
broad frame of the company
color on the rear side also
the screen and at the rear side
The viewing angles are very
which incorporates all the
forms some patterns when
lies triple rear camera sensors
wide and good allowing you
price segment and does not
light falls on it making the
placed vertically enclosed in
to enjoy any function on
focus on emphasizing too
phone look very beautiful.
an aluminum frame followed
the screen quite nicely and
much only on one area and
The body composition of
by an LED flash. At the
this is made possible due to
the best example of it could
the phone is of plastic but
rear side lies the physical
19:5:9 aspect ratio of the
be the launch of its new U
still, the rear side has a shiny
fingerprint sensor which is
phone. The brightness of the
series phone mostly known
finish to it but this shiny rear
placed very accurately within
phone is quite good as well
for its budget range. The
side has a disadvantage as
easy reach and on top of all it
making the screen visible
successor of the previous U10
well which is that it attracts
is very quick to respond to the
under bright daylight as well.
the new vivo U20 is the latest
smudges. The phone has a
touch.
The screen has a resolution of
launch from the company.
reasonable body and also fits
While the competition in the
the palm quite comfortably.
Display
mid-range segment is heating
The physical overview of the
The new vivo U20 has arrived
has bezels running around
up and meanwhile launching
phone includes the power
with all canons loaded to
the screen and more of it was
a budget range phone
button and the volume
lure the buyers and this
visible on the lower screen
shows that the company is
rockers on the right side of
can be witnessed from the
side.
well aware of the market
the phone whereas towards
6.53 inches HD screen of
demands and modulates itself
the left side lies the triple slot
the phone which is an IPS
Platform
according to it. So let’s check
SIM tray meaning a dedicated
LCD capacitive touchscreen.
vivo U20 is running on
out the new vivo U20 in this
slot for microSD card. The top
The colors reproduced are
Funtouch 9.0 based on
review of ours.
side of the phone is blank and
very good as they are bright
Android 9.0 Pie. The OS of
50 | december 2019
1080x2340 pixels and has 395 PPI density. The screen
MYMOBILE
verdict Looks
08 /10
Cameras
08 /10
Performance
08 /10
Battery
10 /10
Value For Money
08 /10
Attractive Suffice
In Sync
Mammoth
the offer various smart features that you can make use of like
by using a microSD card.
Matches
OVERALL
84%
Ultra Game mode and others.
Cameras
The work efficiency of the
The main highlight of the
new Vivo U20 is something
new vivo U20 is the camera
which is making the phone
quality which it possesses
PROS
to set new benchmarks
and the capability of the
under the range which it falls.
camera to deliver stunning
Battery, Display
vivo U20 has emerged as
images. The new vivo U20 is
one of the best and fast
making the tag attached to
processing phones under its
vivo of camera-centric more
range and this is achieved by
prominent and higher. The
using Qualcomm Snapdragon
rear cameras, when tested at
675 processor where two of
daylight, were quite amazing
its octa cores are clocked at
as they captured images of
2.0GHz Kyro 460 Gold and
superior quality with proper
the six cores are clocked at
color reproduction and color
1.7GHz Kyro 460 Silver.
saturation which amazed
Multitasking was very easy
us. The detailing of the rear
and fluent and we did not
sensor is very good plus the
encounter any lag there. The
ultrawide shots are amazing
touch response is also very
as well as the phone has a
smooth and fast which is very
dedicated sensor to take care
rare to find in phones of such
of it. Edge detection was on
price range but what is more
point as well. To make all this
surprising is that the new
possible vivo has used 16MP
Vivo has used 6GB RAM to
primary rear sensor with an
support the processor which
aperture of f/1.8 which is also
aperture of f/2.0.
might will be the first time
the wide lens of the phone.
where a smartphone is holing
The secondary sensor of the
Battery
such RAM size. Gaming on
phone is 8MP with an aperture
the phone was quite good as
of f/2.2 which is the ultrawide
well as because we were able
lens of the phone. The third
to play big games on it with
sensor is of 2 MP with an
a slight degradation in the
aperture of f/2.4. The images
graphics quality but overall the
captured at night were also
graphics level was very good
quite good as there was very
and games like PUBG, Asphalt
less amount of noise effects
ran smoothly. The internal
and graining was noticed
storage of the phone is 64GB
only when the resolution of
which can be further expanded
the camera was increased.
www.mymobileindia.com
a single charge. But what more Vivo could have done to make the phone an epitome of smartphones under the price range in which it falls could have been the usage of Type-C port which is missing in the phone and thus having a normal charging speed.
Conclusion vivo U20 is a decent upgrade from its predecessor, vivo U10, where there’s
Cons Plastic Back
(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)
improvement in display size and a new agile chipset. The battery remains the same
Tried & Tested
burntest
having enormous life cycle but, lack of Type-C is quite strange if this is an upgrade.
What we loved about the rear
The set of triple rear camera
camera is the ability to keep the images in their natural form with no over softening. The selfies captured by the phone were quite brilliant and as we talked about maintaining the original colors and skin tone the selfies were also able to hold on to that which we loved. The selfie camera is 16MP with an
Another power point of the new vivo U20 which is providing the phone an upper hand under
is capable of daily tasks while
the price segment in which
there’s an upgrade in selfie
it falls. The new vivo U20
department with a 16MP
holds a powerful battery of
lens. Priced at Rs 10,990 for
5,000mAh which can easily
the 4GB+64GB, vivo U20 is
outlast a day. While testing
a healthy upgrade available
the battery longevity, it was
today. n haider@mymobile.co.in
able to easily last a day with
december 2019 | 51
Infinix S5
Offers A Lot To Keep You Happy
T
ranssion’s brand
Infinix recently launched
Design
There is a quad-camera setup
Infinix appears to
the S5 smartphone which
The smartphone appears
along with an LED flash at
be on a roll these
promises to be a perfect blend
to be somewhat similar to
the back of the device. You
days. It has been
of innovation of affordability.
its predecessor in the ‘S’
also find a fingerprint sensor
launching a new smartphone
The Infinix S5 happens to
series i.e. the Infinix S4. It is
placed towards the center. On
almost every month this
be a first in its price to sport
sturdily built and looks quite
the right side of the phone,
year, thanks to its increasing
a punch-hole camera with
stylish. However, instead of
there is a volume rocker
recognition in the Indian
Super Cinema display that
the waterdrop notch that is
and power button. The left
market. The more-recent
drives the mobile viewing
present in its predecessor,
side of the device has triple
festive season had been quite
experience several notches
the Infinix S5 offers a more
card slots (two SIMs and
special for this brand, when
higher. Priced at Rs 8,999,
fashionable punch-hole
a microSD card). A micro-
its devices attained greater
the handset comes equipped
camera. Up front, it sports
USB port for charging, a
visibility, grabbing eyeballs
with a 4+64 RAM/ROM
a big 6.6-inch HD+ display.
3.5mm headphone jack and
with their enticing specs and
combination in Quetzal Cyan
A thin bezel is there on the
a speaker grille are placed at
affordable prices, resulting in
and Violet colour options.
right, left and top sides of the
the bottom.
an unprecedented sale. And now, continuing its winning streak,
58 | december 2019
Let’s get into the detail of this phone to arrive at a conclusion.
display. The bottom bezel is slightly thick akin to many
Display
other Android phones.
The 6.6-inch display in this
The rear of the S5 is made
Infinix phone offers an HD+
up of reflective polycarbonate,
(1600×720 pixels) resolution
and it sports what the
and 20:9 aspect ratio. The
company calls ‘crystal
punch-hole design at the
feather’ pattern design, with a
front allows the device to
glossy finish, which happens
offer a screen-to-body ratio
to be in trend nowadays. The
of 90.5 per cent. The display
patterns ensued that the
is quite bright and you will
fingerprint smudges didn’t
find no problem to read any
ever look like an eyesore.
content under direct sunlight.
MYMOBILE
The smartphone offers good
precise and worth relying on.
vibrant colour reproduction
On the connectivity front, the
and contrast. While it’s bright
device comes with 3-in-1 card
during the day, there’s an eye-
slot (Dual Nano SIM along
care mode for those who prefer
with a dedicated microSD card
using the device deep into the
slot), VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth
night. Overall, the display is
5.0, GPS with A-GPS,
quite good and I didn’t find
GLONASS and a MicroUSB
any variation in contrast and
port.
sharpness while watching videos.
The smartphone will not disappoint you as far as its
Platform
performance is concerned.
The handset packs a MediaTek
Cameras
Helio P22 SoC under the
In terms of optics, the Infinix
hood, accompanied by
S5 comes equipped with a
4GB of RAM and 64GB of
quad-camera setup at the
internal storage, which is
back. This setup includes a
further expandable up to
16MP sensor, a 5MP wide
256GB via microSD card. The
lens, a Super macro lens, and
performance of this phone is
a depth sensor. There is also a
unexpectedly good in general
quad-LED flash on the back.
use, and multi-tasking was no
It offers support for features
problem at all. It can do a bit
like Custom Bokeh, AI HDR,
of gaming as well, but for that
AI Beauty and Panorama
graphics settings must be kept
modes. On the front, there
low. Interestingly, even PUBG
is a 32MP AI selfie sensor
Mobile worked well in low
with f/2.0 aperture. The front
graphics settings. Taken as a
camera supports AI Portrait,
whole, the Infinix S5 is a good
AI 3D Face Beauty, WideSelfie
device for casual gamers.
modes as well as AR-
It runs Android 9 Piebased XOS 5.5. The phone’s UI comes pre-loaded with
verdict Looks
09 /10
Cameras
09 /10
Performance
08 /10
Battery
09 /10
Value For Money
09 /10
Premium A Big Draw Smooth
A Powerhouse Extraordinary at its price point
OVERALL
88%
PROS
browsers. It did not consume too much time to charge the device fully from zero.
Conclusion The smartphone stands tall in every department, especially considering its price. It looks decent with a punch-hole display. It delivers a smooth
Cons
Display and Processor Cameras (For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)
also does a decent job in daylight. However, the phone struggles in low light conditions as the image quality drops drastically. Overall, the phone has beaten our expectations for
enabled Animoji features. The camera app is quite simple, having a
which need to be deleted, in
lot of features such as video,
order to free storage space
AI camera, beauty, AR shot
and make a way for the apps
and panorama. Besides, there
and tools of your choice.
are also some pre-installed
a budget smartphone to have
However, there are also some
filters in this app. You can
extraordinary cameras.
user-centric features as well
make good HD video with this
such as bike mode, one-hand
phone. If you look at their
Battery The Infinix S5 is powered by
disturb, eye-care and book
performance, the rear camera
a 4,000mAh battery with AI
reading, etc.
is quite decent in the daylight
power management, which
conditions. The AI helps give
absolutely is a major selling
unlocking the phone, as face-
a further boost to the image
point of this device. Although
unlock feature, fingerprint
output as it can automatically
it could run almost two days
sensor, and pattern lock work
detect the scene and lighting.
with its regular functions, the
perfectly. They are quite
Similarly, the selfie camera
battery lasted for over a day
There is no issue with
social media and surfing
performance and has a long
unwanted apps or bloatware,
support, game mode, do-not
while playing games, using
Tried & Tested
burntest
www.mymobileindia.com
battery life. Cameras are a big draw over here. Its processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM, is more than sufficient to run the device without any glitches. Overall, the Infinix S5 offers a lot that’ll keep you happy, if you are looking for a handset in the sub-10K category. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 53
Tried & Tested
burntest
EVM EnAble+ Power Bank
A Supercharger in your Pocket
W
ith data-
But to narrow down your
built using lithium polymer
helpful.
heavy smart-
challenge here are some
cells that help battery to be
phones
simple thumb rule, you
fully recharged for longer
compatible with all android
draining
And the power bank is
should keep in mind while
period of time. There is a 9
devices, tablets, cameras
the battery faster, power bank
hunting for the right power
layers protection from short
and iPod, headphones and
has become a must-have
bank for yourself. If you’re a
circuits, current and voltage
even an iPhone. Apart from
accessory for the users on the
traveler always go for
overloads and protection
these it is also the only
move. But selecting the right
the combo of light and
against overheating, so, it is
power bank in the market
one with so many options
powerful, and nowadays
completely safe.
that comes with 2-years of
in the market can be a little
anything below 10,000 mAh
tricky.
is impractical. But that can
two color variants Black and
also have 500 + service
add up a lot of weight to your
White, and a little matt in
centers across India, which is
baggage.
texture but looks stylish and
very accessible.
Which is why the EnAble + from EVM should be the perfect choice
simple. The portable power
warranty and the company
bank has dual input charging
Conclusion
options of micro USB and
For its asking price which is
type c, with two USB output,
between Rs 949 to Rs 999,
is the brand
it also allow users to use both
the product offers a lot. It
established
the charging point at the
has good capacity and output
under the
same point.
for two devices, with good
for you. EVM
company Pin Peripheral Pvt. It is ‘Made in India’ consumer electronic brand.
Design and Power The EnAble + power
Comparing with the
components and good looks,
power-packed battery, the
if you are looking for a light-
EnAble + is just 180 gm in
weight quick charging speed,
weight, it is too light to carry
it got it all!
around everywhere, which
The digital indicator
is impressive. It is a perfect
adds on a cheery on top of
choice for those who are
it, with its portability and
always on a move, you can
comparability. If you are a
carry it everywhere.
traveler or always on a go,
It also has a digital
this EnAble + Power Bank
indicator on the front which
should be on your must have
helps in keeping a track of
list. Considering the asked
charge, ensuring you exactly
amount the product offers a
and it is designed for a
know so that you don’t run
lot! n
user friendly usage. It is
into surprises, which is very
bank is packed with 10000 mAh battery
54 | december 2019
The power bank comes in
team@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
Tried & Tested
burntest
CLAW G9
Be A Part of the Game
G
aming on
combined with the ear wings
smartphones,
will keep you comfortable for
using bulky
multiple hours of gaming.
over-the-ear
The earphones feature
headphones with a mic,
10 mm drivers. There are
can actually be irritating,
two mic options – one is the
especially in a hot and
default in-line mic attached
humid country like ours.
to the left earphone cable,
To make things better,
which works quite well for
homegrown CLAW, which
calls and regular use. For
stands for Consumer Lifestyle
additional clarity, there’s
Accessories Worldwide,
an additional gaming
has come up with the G9
microphone bundled, better
earphones that have been
suited for communication
designed and optimised to
during multiplayer gaming
help gamers feel lighter and
sessions. Also, included is a
relaxed. Retailing at Rs 990,
3.5mm to 2 x 3.5mm adapter
the G9 gaming earphones
for connection to desktop
with dual microphone for
PCs. such as Play/Pause, Answer/
hear footsteps, gunshots
comes in Black, Green and
better suited for gaming on
Reject, Previous/Next Track
allowing you to know exactly
Red colour options. Let’s get
the go, the CLAW G9 is not
and even brings up Voice
where your enemy is located
into the detail of this product
restricted to that purpose
Assistant. The dual flange
at all times.
to find out how worthy it is for
only. You can also use this for
ear-tips offer superior noise
gamers.
listening to music and while
isolation keeping you focused
produce crisp and clear
watching a movie. Thanks to
on the game by obstructing
sound, they are quite loud
mobile, PCs and consoles,
Design and Features
Although this device is
Although the earphones
its dual flange ear tips and ear
all outside distractions while
overall. The company seems
The ergonomically-designed
wings, it doesn’t awkwardly
the silicone ear hook design
to have given a priority to the
CLAW G9 is as portable as
fall off the ears.
ensures a secure fit in your
highs at the cost of sacrificing
ears. The 10 mm drivers
the mids and lows, which
produce immersive 3D stereo
seems unfortunate since
sound with enhanced bass
the earphones end up being
earphones essentially are, regular gaming headsets
Functionalities and Performance
which are quite bulky. The
Just like other earphones,
1.2m cable that it offers
the CLAW G9 offers a
is very strong and heavy-
multi-function button that
duty owing to textured TPE
allows you to control actions
totally different from the
which helps in gaming
useful only in the context of
scenarios so you can
playing intense shooters or in multiplayer gaming.
material, which is also rigid
Conclusion
enough to not get knotted
The CLAW G9 looks pretty
easily when you carry it
decent, in terms of design
around in a bag or pocket.
and justifies its price with its
The CLAW G9 offers two
unique features as standalone
pairs of ear tips in the box,
gaming earphones. It’s
besides the dual flange ear
something you cannot
tips that the earphones have
ignore. n
on by default. The ear tips
www.mymobileindia.com
ramesh@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 55
Tried & Tested
burntest
ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581) Bulky yet Beautiful Laptop for Professionals
T
aiwanese tech
recently unveiled its dual-
available at Rs 245,420 on
inch 4K OLED display
major Asus
screen laptop series in India
Amazon and here’s how it
with another 4K 14.1-inch
is doing well
which comprises ZenBook
fared.
secondary display, an elite
in terms of
Duo (UX481) and ZenBook
graphics engine and a set
innovation in their gaming
Pro Duo (UX581) and at a
Design
smartphones or laptops.
starting price Rs 89,990 and
TAsus continues to deliver
components. Constructed
Recently, a report by the
Rs 209,990, respectively.
designs that are at once
from sturdy aluminium, the
timeless, innovative and
Celestial Blue is alluring. The
research firm International
ZenBook Pro Duo
of top-end performance
Data Corporation (IDC) stated
(UX581) is built for creative
undeniably Asus. The
shiny Asus logo at the right
that the brand registered 43.6
professionals, so there’s no
ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581)
of the centre is the epicentre
per cent year-over-year growth
compromise on connectivity.
looks like any other laptop but
of Asus’ beloved concentric-
and was able to capture a 5.3
A full set of high-performance
slightly thicker. It certainly
circle pattern. Upon opening
per cent market share in the
I/O ports -- including the
isn’t for everyone. But for
the lid, the company’s
third quarter of this year. The
latest Thunderbolt 3 USB- C
creative professionals who
ErgoLift hinge deploys, gently
company recorded its highest
port -- give you dongle-free
cannot get a rig because
raising the keyboard deck
ever shipments in the country,
connectivity whatever you’re
they are always on the move,
to a 4.5-degree angle for
mainly driven by strong
doing, wherever you are. The
the laptop represents a
a more comfortable typing
growth in the online channel.
latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 with Gig+
very viable alternative. The
and viewing experience. The
The company, which has
(802.11ax) takes wireless
laptop’s internal systems were
full-size keyboard resides in
been aggressively expanding
speeds to the next level.
redesigned to accommodate
the space typically reserved
its demanding specifications
for the palm rest, with the
that now include a 15.6-
touchpad or number Pad
its online as well as offline presence in the country, has
56 | DECEMBER 2019
We reviewed the upgraded variant of the laptop that is
MYMOBILE
sequestered in the lower-right
settings before creating.
corner. At the bottom front lip
The main 15.6-inch display
of the laptop, you’ll see the
features ultra-vivid colours
Alexa light bar, which signals
and deep blacks (DisplayHDR
that the digital assistant is
500 True Black compliant),
processing your request. Asus
with a cinema-grade 100-per
finishes the look by housing its
cent DCI-P3 colour gamut and
ports in gleaming, chamfered
100,000:1 contrast ratio. The
edges. At the top of the deck,
brightness level on this screen
you’ll find Asus’ ScreenPad:
is nothing short of impressive
a massive second display that
and colours are accurate
runs the length of the deck.
enough to handle sensitive
It’s a visually stunning element
work. The display also handles
that, when paired with the
Adobe RGB and sRGB
4K OLED display above,
relatively well. The second
makes for a captivating scene.
14-inch 4K LCD screen act
However, despite the matte
as an extension of the primary
panel, the ScreenPad Plus is
display and is quite useful in
quite the fingerprint magnet.
several instances. You can
On the right side, you get a
open up to five apps between
USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports,
both screens. The bottom
Thunderbolt 3 and an audio
panel runs two to three apps
jack. Along the left, you have
side-by-side, while the main
another USB Type-A port, a
screen on the top can run your
full-size HDMI 2.0 port and
primary app. Asus has also
a DC-in port. At 2.5kg and
incorporated several shortcuts
14.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches, it’s
to make the transition of apps
significantly heavier than HP
between the two screens
Spectre x360, Dell XPS 15
seamless. The ScreenPad
and Apple MacBook Pro.
Plus gives you on-the-go
Display/ Keyboard/ ScreenPad Plus
Tried & Tested
burntest
computing as you’ve never experienced before. A series of handy built-in apps help boost
The two 4K screens are the
your productivity. Quick Key
highlighted features of this
allows one-tap automation of
laptop. The first screen on the
complex keyboard sequences,
ZenBook Pro Duo is a 15.6-
and Handwriting lets you input
inch 4K OLED touchscreen
text intuitively. There are also
with an excellent brightness
useful quick controls such
and contrast levels, while the
as App Switcher, ViewMax
second screen, ScreenPad
and Task Swap for intuitive
Plus, located right under
interactions between the
the main display is a 4K IPS
main display and ScreenPad
touchscreen with 32:9 aspect
Plus. Unfortunately, most
ratio. The second screen has a
games don’t play nice with
3,840 x 1,100 resolution and
the ScreenPad Plus, so you
runs the entire length of the
can’t play on the second
laptop. The 4K OLED screen
display. But I’m not sure most
is Pantone Validated, ensuring
gamers would want to play on
you don’t need to tweak any
a smaller screen, unless it’s
www.mymobileindia.com
DECEMBER 2019 | 57
Tried & Tested
burntest a smartphone or Nintendo
impressive, the ScreenPad
accelerate ray-traced scene
that are certified by Harman
Switch, anyway. But it would
Plus is quite dim compared
creation and can encode
Kardon for pumping out the
be cool if you could manage
to the main display, but that’s
high-quality video in real-
sound. It has an IR Windows
tertiary functions like game
primarily down to the panel
time. You can also game on
Hello camera, which works in
menus and inventory down
technology. The matte finish
this card. The company has
the dark and is excellent for
there. Task Group lets you
contributes to that dimness
gone the extra mile to ensure
video conferencing. Moreover,
lock into work mode by
but also acts as a protective
that the powerful components
Asus also includes a Stylus
opening multiple tasks with
layer from scratches and
inside the ZenBook Pro Duo
that works on both the main
a single touch. And now
fingerprint smudges. The
can deliver without throttling.
and secondary display.
you can drag any Windows
Duo’s OLED panel averaged
This two-screen laptop uses
The Stylus is excellent for
app or in-app toolbar onto
322 nits of brightness, while
the ErgoLift design, we saw
sketching and taking notes,
ScreenPad Plus to give you
the ScreenPad hit 289 nits.
on the Zephyrus S series, to
but you can even use it to
more room to work on the
Neither score managed to
improve airflow by keeping it
launch apps.
main display, wherever you
match the 343-nit average.
flowing smoothly from under
are. The Launcher is the
The MacBook Pro and
the chassis. The new cooling
Verdict
fastest way to launch your
Spectre outshone both
system with a newly designed
We feel second displays on
favourite apps on ScreenPad
screens at 403 and 483 nits,
fan and five heat pipes help
laptops aren’t a new concept
Plus. Simply tap or click an
respectively. But nothing
keep the ZenBook Pro Duo
and Asus had quite a library
app icon to launch the app.
could hold a candle to the
cool under pressure. Although
of dual screens in the early
XPS 15’s 626
Asus is billing the Duo as a
2000s. However, this is
nits.
content creation/productivity
arguably one of the most
machine, with an Nvidia
innovative laptops in the
GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with
present time. It’s opulent,
ZenBook Pro
6GB of VRAM, the notebook
indulgent and surprisingly
Duo is powered
is more than capable of
useful once you get the
by up to a 9th
playing traditional games or
hang of it. Having the ability
Generation Intel
VR titles.
to quickly access hotkeys,
Processor
Core i9 eight-core
launch several programs at
processor, the
Battery
latest gaming-
The ZenBook Pro Duo gets
screen real estate is a big
grade NVIDIA
a pretty big 71Wh 8-cell
boon. But there are a couple
GeForce RTX
Rechargeable Li-Polymer
of flies in the ointment.
2060 graphics
battery pack. But with 4K
As beautiful as OLED and
once and still have ample
You can also personalize
and blisteringly fast
OLED panels, it is natural
4K panels are, they can do
it by adding new apps
storage. This ultra-powerful
that they can do a number
a number on battery life,
from the main screen to
combination ensures that
on a laptop’s battery life. The
especially when you throw
the Launcher or removing
ZenBook Pro Duo takes
Duo gets the double whammy
high-powered specs into the
apps from the Launcher
professional-quality tasks
here, as it also sports a power-
mix. In terms of performance,
by clicking the edit button
in its stride, such as multi-
consuming discrete GPU and
the hardware inside is pretty
in the top right corner. The
layer photo or video editing,
a second 4K panel. In terms
powerful, while the cooling
touch interface can be used
3D graphics rendering or
of battery life, the laptop
system is quite effective in
to drag and drop apps into
even game live-streaming. It
lasted around three hours on
helping users make optimal
position or stretch a single
also offers 32GB 2666MHz
a single charge on a rigorous
use of that hardware without
app across the full length of
DDR4 RAM and a 1TB
usage. The battery life is a
throttling.
both screens. A button on
PCIe SSD for storage. The
little disappointing.
the keyboard allows you to
RTX 2060 is equipped with
switch the content on both
Nvidia’s Studio Drivers and
Audio/ Camera/ Pen
for everyone but creative
screens in an instant. While
is capable of enabling real-
The ZenBook Pro Duo utilises
professionals. n
both touchscreens are pretty
time video effects. It can also
two bottom-firing speakers
58 | DECEMBER 2019
The ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581) certainly isn’t
vivek@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
In Conversation
face to face
“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly more sophisticated” The country is undergoing rapid transformation to a digital economy with almost every citizen having a mobile phone. This rapid change has led to dramatic increases in fraud, data protection and privacy concerns. Hence, authenticating a subscriber with absolute certainty is critical to carry forward the digital momentum over the next few years. Boloro’s patented authentication platform addresses all of these needs. It may help banks, governments, e-commerce retailers and other players looking to eliminate the risk of theft and fraud and comply with PSD2, GDPR and other regulations. Our correspondent Vivek Singh Chauhan spoke to Karl Peter Kilb III, Chief Executive Officer, Boloro Global Limited to know about the company’s patented authentication platform in details. Here are the edited excerpts. What kind of solution is your company
have any phone and any operating system,
work closely with the operators, as the
providing and how effective is it when we
Apple or Android, or even the most basic
operators have the origination data and the
talk about securing the data present in our operating system? The solution separates the authentication from the Internet and the operating system. It uses a unique memorized pin that must be entered in response to a secure message sent on your phone in connection with a specific transaction that isn’t processed until you validate it with your pin. You can create your pin with alpha-numerical codes. The process is compatible with all smartphones and feature phones, and the pin is specific
SIM data so they would know if there had
“It is important that users start being pro-active. There is a push on creating an entirely mobile digital society -- a push to get away from cash, a push to promote transparency”
to your device. If you change your phone,
been any SIM swap or if the SIM had been misdirected in any way, and they would flag and block the transaction. Also, the backend reports record exactly what has happened at the time. There are content logs. This comprehensive data-board tells you exactly what happened when the authentication request took place. Was the transaction denied or did the user enter the right pin to validate the transaction? This information is available to the government, bank or whoever is
you would register a new pin for your phone
using Boloro to securitize their customers.
number. Boloro’s Authentication Solution
feature phone. All mobile phones have
If a government or bank has installed the
works on any phone anywhere, so you can
access to the secure USSD channel. We
solution, then it would have a real-time
60 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
view into its customer transactions,
company focuses on providing real security
Authentication has been certified by the
preventing fraud.
through the trusted mobile phone in your
GSMA - the Global System for Mobile
hand to make the user confident about
Communications - and we work very
Technology is changing and so are the
participating in the digital economy. We
closely with the operators.
fraudsters trying to steal people’s hard-
work with the customer’s mobile network
earned money. How are you keeping up with
providers for authentication, ensuring
Are you trying to inspire your users to switch
the ever-changing dynamics? Fraudsters are
a layer of security that complements
from reactive to active measures?Users
becoming increasingly more sophisticated
and supplements the existing system.
must start being pro-active. There is a
and if everything is on the Internet and
To elaborate, only the customer has its
push on creating an entirely mobile digital
everything is touching your phone operating
physical phone and knows its memorised
society - a push to get away from cash, a
system, the fraudsters can easily hack into
pin. Even if the phone was lost or stolen,
push to promote transparency. Everybody
your accounts. They are using Malware
or a hacker got into the customer’s e-mail
is trying to figure out how to move to a
through applications to access your phone;
account, or malware got into the operating
digital economy, but security must be
they use SIM swaps to redirect your phone.
system, the message that is sent to validate
the primary focus because if you do not
So, if all of these techniques are being
each transaction using Boloro wouldn’t
have a secure platform, digital solutions
used, they could be using your face to get
be affected because the message doesn’t
do not work. Fraudsters are becoming
access to your phone. You could be using
touch the Internet or the operating system.
more advanced over time, but our multi-
multiple forms of authentication, such as
The authentication message is sent
channel and multi-factor solution provides
your face, finger, or voice to get access to
separately through a network-initiated
total security. Our goal is that everybody
your phone, but any of those things can be
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary
in India protects themselves with this
compromised and somebody else can get
Service Data) or a push-USSD channel,
solution. We are not worried about
access to your phone.
which is a secure signalling channel that
branding; we are worried about protecting
every operator on the planet has. Boloro
people’s money.
If you use Boloro, even when your
In Conversation
face to face
biometric data gets compromised, a fraudster cannot be you because only you have your physical mobile phone and your memorised pin - it’s another lock - a separate secure impenetrable lock that sits on top of your applications. So, even if all else fails - a hacker got in, malware is on the operating system, biometric data is around on the street - you have a safety guard - that last layer of security your physical phone and your memorised pin. We have not seen any way in which the fraudster can defeat Boloro because the channel itself is controlled by the mobile network operator, the phone is in the user’s possession, and only the user knows the memorised pin. Nobody has access to the channel except the mobile network operator. All how the fraudster tries to commit fraud to come back to the operating system or the Internet, and we avoid them. Your company statement says: “Stop identity threats and prevent fraud by putting real security in your hands.” Could you give us insight and how does Boloro work? Our
www.mymobileindia.com
december 2019 | 61
In Conversation
face to face Is there any kind of collaboration between
usage, but also has a population with
already have the connectivity that is
the government agencies and private
hundreds of millions of people who are
being deployed here. The bank or the
cybersecurity solution providers like you in
still on feature phones. Boloro is the
government is already communicating
trying to create safer cyberspace? If so, how
best solution for smartphones because
with their customer, so there is no change
is that going? It would be ideal for us to
we avoid the Internet and the operating
in that. You can license the solution on a
collaborate directly with the government.
system, which are inherently vulnerable to
white-label basis and host the solution,
The government is strongly focused
attack. With our solution, people in rural
and the messaging happens on the
on identification for all citizens. When
India can also validate their transactions
operator-certified, totally secure channel.
you think about identifying all citizens,
on their basic feature phone, making it
the question is “who are you?” The
very accessible to all citizens. It is true
Do you think that India is heading successfully
government may know what you look like,
security and it accomplishes all the goals
towards creating an e-governance society?
your biometric information and your voice
that the government has – digital economy,
Is there any example you would like to quote
- that is who you are. However, the more
cash replacement, transparency, fraud
from where we could derive inspiration and
important question for authentication is
prevention, financial inclusion - all of these
work on creating similar solutions? India is
“Is this you?” The best way to answer it
ahead of the curve and has a chance to be
a real leader in this space. Mobile adoption “Boloro’s solution is a key to e-governance, e-commerce, is compatible with all mobile everything the government is online banking and digital payments. doing. Each time you are trying phones, meaning there can be India can have a very mobile and to validate your identity; you entrepreneurial economy and uniform deployment throughout India. don’t have to rely only on I see this as a great thing, as The country is increasing smartphone usage, biometrics, as biometrics long as the necessary security but also has a population with hundreds of can be easily hacked measures are in place. We or replicated. The first want to work directly with the millions of people who are still on feature question in identification government, the banks and phones. With our solution, people in rural can be answered by the other financial institutions India can also validate their transactions government and the second to make sure all of these can also be answered by the transactions are secure. Working on their basic feature phone, making government, in collaboration in partnership with the government it very accessible to all with Boloro’s solution, which and the financial institutions, we citizens” can be hosted and branded by the can create a mobile, digital economic is to use the Boloro authentication as a complement or supplement with
government. And, this can be done in a
infrastructure which will allow anybody
way that is secure and in concurrence
things are done and the consumer does not
in the country to participate because I
with data protection and privacy
have to do anything, because they already
think financial inclusion is very important
requirements.
have a phone, they do not need to upgrade
and a big goal of the government in India.
the phone, they already know how to use a
Also, our solution creates a complete audit
Our government is working towards a
pin and the authentication message pops
history of every transaction the customer
cashless economy. That means in future such
up on the phone. It is extremely simple,
has done and that audit trail can become
agile technologies are going to be used by the
extremely user-friendly and instantaneous
a credit history of all of their payments.
citizens who have limited or no knowledge
and it also removes all the excuses about
This can be used for helping with securing
of how to protect themselves from such
hosting your data in your own country. You
loans and credit for financial inclusion and
challenges. Is it possible to create easier and
can host the solution in the government
bringing the customer into the economy.
more accessible solutions keeping in mind
offices, in the bank location, or you can
We are looking at India and working on
that we have such diverse demographics?
put it anywhere and have all the security
everything that the government is trying
We have to think about how diverse India
data hosted in-country.
to accomplish: the digital economy,
is. Boloro’s solution is compatible with
The solution does not require building
mobile transparency, cash replacement,
all mobile phones, meaning there can be
any infrastructure or any additional
financial inclusion and data protection
uniform deployment throughout India.
investment from anybody. We are using
and privacy. n
The country is increasing smartphone
the existing infrastructure. The operators
62 | december 2019
vivek@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
Apptastic
Review
VMate
A trending short video platform to earn money and fame
L
aunched in 2017, VMate has
login with FB credentials.
emerged as one of the fastest
The login process, too, is
growing short video platforms.
very simple, with only 2-3
The platform offers in-built easy-to-use
steps to follow.
video editing tools, amazing VR stickers and interesting duet function to create unforgettable moments and interact with people in VMate community. VMate is said to have a special focus on India, and is available in multiple regional languages apart from Hindi and English. In India, VMate is being embraced by users and content creators in cities, small towns and also in villages. As witnessed, the platform is fondly used by millions of Indians to celebrate various festivals or important events such as Holi, Republic Day, Dussehra, etc and has evolved to be a celebratory digital destination across for innovative festive contests, and over
Turning the table around with video features
here, we will explore the features on the
The fun part on VMate is not limited to
users, which you can translate into
app.
viewing funny and creative videos, but
currency. The virtual gift sharing part is
you can quickly become a content creator
very interesting, as the users can receive
by making your videos and raise the
pleasant surprises and who doesn’t
The app can be easily located on the
fun quotient. In fact, VMate is the first
like surprises? By joining VMate, you
Android platform, India’s most significant
platform to have introduced innovative
welcome infotainment into your life, and
mobile OS and can be downloaded for
VR stickers designed especially for
the platform has the edge over others as
free. The 29 MB file is easy on phone’s
the Indian market, that allow users to
you can earn both money and fame on
storage space as compared to other short-
transition to newer virtual environment
VMate.
video apps available. The app has more
instantly.
India. VMate is trending among youth
Downloading the app
than 100 million downloads so far.
Getting started
The process of making videos on
community member, you can also send and receive virtual gifts from other VMate
Conclusion
VMate is a pretty simple. With a single
Overall, the experience of exploring
tap on the large red ‘Record’ icon, resting
infotaining content as well as creating
On opening the app, you directly enter
at the bottom of the screen, you will
videos on VMate is very smooth and
into the world of entertainment as you
be presented with options to include
simple, a perfect platform for anyone and
are welcomed with trending videos on
stickers, filters and background music
everyone to start making magical videos.
your screen. Simply tap on the video of
and other trendy AR filters that make
We also found that the app is backed
choice to start enjoying or scroll down
your videos more dynamic. To add these
with robust recommendation tools. Post
to explore more videos. The interface is
fun elements, one only has to go through
using the app for sometime, a user is
pretty smooth as you go through various
the extensive lists under each category
organically presented with the videos as
pages on the app. While you can enjoy
and simply tap on the desired sticker
per his/her preferences on the screen.
viewing videos, but to comment on or
or filter to be included in the video. You
This makes a user’s experience more
like a video, you will have to create an
can review the video and then press
intriguing. n
account or link the app with Facebook to
upload to share it with your network. As a
www.mymobileindia.com
team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 63
Trendz
consumer insight
Why Music Makes Us Feel, According to AI In a new paper, a team of USC computer scientists and psychologists teamed up to investigate how music affects how you act, feel and think. The team found that the brain responded to pulse clarity, or the strength of the beat, and that change in rhythm and timbre, or the introduction of new instruments also brought about an uptick in response. Additionally, the researchers also found that galvanic skin response (a measure of sweat) increased after the entrance of a new instrument or start of a musical crescendo.
Y
our heart beats faster, palms sweat and part of your brain called the Heschl’s gyrus lights up like a Christmas
tree. Chances are, you’ve never thought about what happens to your brain and body when you listen to music in such a detailed way. But it’s a question that has puzzled scientists for decades: Why does something as abstract as music provoke such a consistent response? In a new study, a team of USC researchers, with the help of artificial intelligence, investigated how music affects listeners’ brains, bodies and emotions The research team looked at heart rate, galvanic skin response (or sweat gland activity), brain activity and subjective feelings of happiness and sadness in a group of volunteers as they listened to three pieces of unfamiliar music. Of the 74 musical features examined, the researchers found dynamics, register, rhythm and harmony were particularly helpful in predicting listeners’ response. “Taking a holistic view of music perception, using all different kinds of musical predictors, gives us an
40 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
unprecedented insight into how our bodies
increase in the complexity level of the song.
of time—for instance, looking at the brain
and brains respond to music,” said the
In essence, the more instruments are in the
reacting to two seconds of music.
study’s lead author Tim Greer, a computer
song, the more people responded. (Think:
By contrast, in this study, using
science PhD student and a member of the
the first section of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular
algorithms to analyze data gathered in the
USC Signal Analysis and Interpretation
Bells, as the song builds to a crescendo by
lab, the scientists were able to look at how
Laboratory (SAIL).
adding more instruments.)
people felt while listening to music over
Contrast is crucial
And the saddest note of all? That award
longer periods of time, not only from brain
goes to the raised 7th note of the minor
scans, but also combining data from other
Amongst their findings, the researchers
scale. The study found the note F# in a
modes.
noted that music powerfully influenced
song in the key of G minor was positively
parts of the brain in the auditory complex
correlated with high sadness ratings.
called the Heschls’ gyrus and the superior temporal gyrus.
“Novel multimodal computing approaches help not just illuminate human
That might be the reason the narrator’s
affective experiences to music at the brain
anguish is almost palpable in The Animals’
and body level, but in connecting them to
Specifically, the brain responded to
House of the Rising Sun, which uses the
how actually individuals feel and articulate
pulse clarity, or the strength of the beat (put
raised 7th of the minor scale to launch into
their experiences,” said Professor Shrikanth
simply: your gyri will be looking lively when
each increasingly emotional verse.
(Shri) Narayanan, study co-author, Niki
New territory
and professor of electrical and computer
rhythm and timbre, or the introduction of
For this experiment, the team selected
engineering and computer science.
new instruments, brings about the uptick in
three emotional pieces of music that did not
response. In other words, contrast is crucial.
contain lyrics and were not highly familiar,
For instance, the gyri activate when there is
so no element of memory was attached to
Feeling good
a change in dynamics, or “loudness.”
the listeners’ emotional response. (Hearing
In addition to helping researchers identify
listening to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance). They also found that changing dynamics,
and C. L. Max Nikias Chair in Engineering
“This is new territory,” added Habibi.
“If a song is loud throughout, there’s
a song that played in the background during
songs for the perfect workout, study or
not a lot of dynamic variability, and the
a wisdom tooth extraction, for instance,
sleep playlist, the research has therapeutic
experience will not be as powerful as if the
might skew your perception.)
applications — music has been shown to
composer uses a change in loudness,” said
In the neuroimaging experiment, 40
Greer, himself a composer who plays sax
volunteers listened to a series of sad
and keyboard.
calm anxiety, ease pain and help people with disabilities or dementia.
or happy musical excerpts, while their
“From a therapy perspective, music is
“It’s the songwriter’s job to take you on
brains were scanned using MRI. This was
a really good tool to induce emotion and
a rollercoaster of emotions in under three
conducted at USC’s Brain and Creativity
engage a better mood,” said Habibi.
minutes, and dynamic variability is one of
Institute by Assal Habibi, an assistant
“Using this research, we can design
the ways this is achieved.”
professor of psychology at USC Dornsife,
musical stimuli for therapy in depression
So, if you’re listening to a whole album
and her team, including Matthew Sachs, a
and other mood disorders. It also helps us
of black metal, which is consistently loud,
postdoctoral scholar currently at Columbia
understand how emotions are processed in
you’re probably not going to see a response.
University.
the brain.”
But if you’re listening to Nirvana’s Smells
To measure physical reaction, 60 people
According to the researchers, future
Like Teen Spirit, which goes from a quiet
listened to music on headphones, while
studies could look at how different types
verse to loud chorus and back again, it’s a
their heart activity and skin conductance
of music can positively manipulate our
different story.
were measured. The same group also rated
emotional responses and whether the intent
the intensity of emotion (happy or sad) from
of the composer matches the listener’s
1 to 10 while listening to the music.
perception of a piece of music.
The team also discovered that galvanic skin response—basically, a measure of sweat — increased after the entrance
Then, the computer scientists crunched
The paper, titled “A Multimodal View
of a new instrument or start of a musical
the data using AI algorithms to determine
into Music’s Effect on Human Neural,
crescendo.
which auditory features people responded
Physiological, and Emotional Experience,”
to consistently.
was presented at ACM Multimedia, Oct. 22.
“When each new instrument enters, you
In the past, neuroscientists trying to
The research team also includes Ben Ma,
better understand the impact of music on
a USC Viterbi undergraduate in computer
In addition, the most stimulating
the body, brain and emotions have analyzed
science and a member of USC SAIL. n
moments in music were preceded by an
MRI brain scans over very short segments
can see a spike in the collective response of the skin,” said Greer.
www.mymobileindia.com
Trendz
Consumer insight
team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 65
by Invitation
Guest Column
Online Appearance Crucial in Today’s Market Space By Jai Sharma
T
he world that boasts about its
digital footprints. As per the World Internet
on the locality, the type of commodities or
wireless and smart technology,
Usage and Population Statistics 2019 Mid-
services that the store has to offer. But the
is rather chained down with
Year report, out of the 7,716,223,209 total
former would still be limited majorly to the
cell phones and computers
population, over 4,536,248,808 people
civilians of the city or rather the locality the
are connected to the internet.
store is situated in. Now, imagine this store
connected to the internet. Every other person is glued to their screen day in and day
On the contrary, imagine a brick and
opting for the means of online appearance
out, browsing content and information of
mortar store setting up its new business in a
to boost its sales. By utilizing the different
different sorts. And for such a world, people
market area. On a daily basis, how many eyes
platforms and means of the internet, the
being away from this inter-connected realm
would this store catch and how many sales
store can catch the eyes and attention from
are rather considered as ghosts, having no
would it make? The latter would depend
across the globe, not limiting to its locality alone. This is what the internet has to offer for businesses in the market space. Indeed, the importance of online appearance in this inter-connected world is not an alien concept. The trend of online marketing started creating waves in the first decade of this millennium and is reaching newer peaks with the advancement of technologies.
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From the dial-up connections to VR, the world has seen the transition of marketing going more and more digital, and lesser of physical. It has come to a point where the advertisements are not only informative but interactive in nature. Individuals have presented ads in relation to their preferences, funneling down the approach for the businesses out there. As per Forbes, an average American internet user consumes 4,000-10,000 on a daily basis. So, not only it is crucial to leverage the true potential of the internet, but it is much more important to use it in the right manner with campaigns and
a very crucial role in making that brand
brands but public figures maintain their
messaging, in order to get the needed
famous, as what people see more is what
online presence and image. The creator
attention.
they trust in. This is how the appearance
of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg shares his
of a brand gets reciprocated in its sales,
vision of commissioning US Elections
In simple words, what people consume is what they believe in, and this consumption
on his brilliant social media platform in
of information majorly affects their
the future to come. This would again be
brand, instead of a new entrant, owing
his books, “with great power comes great
Guest Column
by invitation
“What people buying decisions, talking from the dependent on the reach of the internet, human psychological aspect. which is massive already, along see often, it is what they buy, For achieving the same, with the image of candidates instantly or later. A person would brands strive on creating appearing in the elections. impactful campaigns But, leveraging the power rather go for a ‘famous’ cellphone brand, that will attract their of online appearance is instead of a new entrant, owing to the fact audience to read not as easy as it seems. and later, believe It surely can manage that the ‘famous’ brand has invested much in in the brand. What crises and bear fruitful creating its online presence, be it the business revolutionizes results, but on the other the industry by hand, even a small error website or the social media handles. This a spectacular on this online medium is how it became famous, undoubtedly the campaign, wins the can create crises as well. crown and rules. Whether it is a brand or an features and performance of both the Further, what individual, everyone needs brands’ cellphones are at par. But the people see often, it is to ensure that the campaigns what they buy, instantly and content shared on this winner is the one who has invested or later. A person would medium are ethical and correct. It wisely in its appearance” rather go for a ‘famous’ cellphone is how great Stan Lee quoted in one of to the fact that the ‘famous’ brand has invested much in creating its online
responsibility”. Hence, the brands and raising its value over time.
individuals need to be responsible while
presence, be it the business website or
For ages, it has remained a fact that
executing their ideas on the internet to
the social media handles. This is how it
the image is everything. Just the ways
avoid any controversy. For the audience
became famous, undoubtedly the features
of managing this image have evolved
and performance of both the brands’
with time. Businesses spend millions of
that can help boost up sales and profits, it can take them down too. n
cellphones are at par. But the winner is
dollars in setting up their websites and
the one who has invested wisely in its
online presence to maintain the image.
appearance. And this appearance plays
The time has arrived where not only
www.mymobileindia.com
The author is Founder, Jai Sharma Solutions.
december 2019 | 67
Trendz
Market insight
India PC Market Still Going Strong Lenovo retained its number one position, followed closely by HP in the India traditional PC market that grew by 15.8% in the third quarter of 2019
T
he good old PCs are still
strong traction for both desktops and
going strong in the era of all-
notebooks.
Diwali offers. Learning from last year’s inventory
pervasive mobile phones. The
“Strong demand from the start-up
issues, some vendors were cautious to
India traditional PC market
ecosystem, BFSI segment, and very large
avoid extra stocking this time and shipped
inclusive of desktops, notebooks, and
enterprises, along with the Tamil Nadu
in a phased manner, leading to a weak
workstations, shipped 3.1 million units,
education deal, helped the commercial
consumer quarter as compared to 3Q18.
up 15.8% year-over-year (YoY) during
segment provide much-needed growth
However, Asus, Acer and Apple were
the third quarter of 2019, according to
to the Indian PC market,” says Bharath
aggressive in billing for online festivals
new data from the International Data
Shenoy, Market Analyst, PC, IDC India.
and registered higher double-digit growth
Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly
“Vendors have procured inventory to
in their online shipments. Also, this
Personal Computing Device Tracker. This
target Windows 10 refreshes in small and
Diwali, e-tailers extended the sales and
growth was mainly driven by the second
medium enterprises. Hence, the SMB
continued the bank and discount offers
phase of shipments to the Electronics
segment is expected to be
Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd. (ELCOT)
relatively softer in 2019Q4,
under its ongoing initiative of free
although education deals
distribution of laptops in the state. Also,
and global account refreshes
as Windows 7 is near to its scheduled end
are expected to maintain the
in early 2020, corporate and enterprise
momentum,” adds Bharath.
users accelerated their upgrades to Windows 10.
While the commercial segment witnessed healthy
The Desktop category saw a 10.6%
growth, the consumer
YoY growth in its shipments, mainly
segment was down by 4.2%
contributed by Windows 10 refresh buying
from the same quarter a year
from the banking sector. Notebooks grew
ago. However, it grew 49%
18% annually on the back of education
sequentially driven by multiple
deals as well as growth in both corporate
mega online festivals and
and SMB segments, as these enterprises scaled up their purchases for Windows 10 migrations.
Segment Highlights The commercial segment witnessed a 39% YoY growth, as vendors shipped a total of 1.7 million units in 3Q19. Even outside of the ELCOT deal, the commercial segment grew 15.7% annually, as it witnessed
68 | december 2019
for almost a month, which helped them to manage almost similar volumes as last year. Regardless of vendors’ efforts
India PC Market, Top Five companies, Market Share, Year-overYear Growth, 3Q19
to maintain the price parity between the offline and online channels, the retail segment witnessed a 6.9% decline when compared to 3Q18. “As we see consumers shifting
Trendz
Market insight
entertainment and content consumption to smartphones, PCs are becoming a conscious purchase in India. Consumers are comfortable to wait for discounts and offers while looking to buy or upgrade
with a 28.5% market share in 3Q19. Its
their PCs,” says Jaipal Singh, Associate
shipments grew 55.4% YoY on the back
Research Manager, IDC India. “Looking
of the ELCOT deal. Outside the ELCOT,
at opportunities, branded PC gaming is
Lenovo was able to win a few large
a growth area in the next few quarters.
BFSI deals, which helped the brand to
Although India’s gaming market is
maintain triple-digit growth in the overall
dominated by mobile phones, gamers
commercial segment for the second
have already started preferring PCs for a
quarter in a row.
more immersive experience as their best alternate,” adds Singh.
Top 5 Company Highlights: Lenovo retained its leadership position
“As we see consumers shifting entertainment and content consumption to smartphones, PCs are becoming a conscious purchase in India. Consumers are comfortable to wait for discounts and offers while looking to buy or upgrade their PCs… Looking at opportunities, branded PC gaming is a growth area in the next few quarters. Although India’s gaming market is dominated by mobile phones, gamers have already started preferring PCs for a more immersive experience as their best alternate”
—Jaipal Singh Associate Research Manager, IDC India
HP Inc. maintained its second position with a 26.4% market share, as its shipments grew 9.9% from the previous quarter. One large education deal where HP was the main supplier was postponed to the following quarter, which led to a slight 0.6% decline in its shipments when compared to the same time a year ago. Dell Technologies ranked third with a 19.7% market share in 3Q19, as its commercial shipments grew 24.1% annually. However, its consumer shipments fell 27.3%, resulting in a 0.6% decline in its overall shipments compared to the same period last year. Acer Group maintained its 4th position with 11.9% market share, as its commercial shipments grew 21.3% annually and its consumer segment grew 2.8% YoY in 3Q19. A couple of wins in the BFSI and education segments helped the brand to record a 13.7% annual growth in its overall shipments. Asus registered 43.6% YoY growth and was able to capture a 5.3% market share in 3Q19. Asus recorded its highest ever shipments in the country, mainly driven by strong growth in the online channel.n team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 69
Guest Column
by Invitation
Mobile Apps Revolutionising HR Practices in Today’s Workplaces By Udit Agarwal
T
echnology is all around us,
each device aims to be more universally
as building blocks of a bigger technological
whether it’s our phones,
compatible, more integrated, enabling you
offering. While this is in the personal realm,
computers or TVs, we use
to carry out and manage everything in a
the professional world is also increasingly
some form of it every single
single place. This is where apps come into
adopting the use of new technology to
day. The advent of emerging technologies
the picture, and our mobile devices are
streamline internal processes.
has further optimised our usage to bring
one place that is greatly personalised and
Given this increasing dependence, but
in greater convenience, efficiency and
customised because of the kind of apps we
also the optimisation and level of efficiency
engagement. One thing common to most
have. We are so used to using apps that we
that apps bring about, organisations have
of the technology we use today is that
don’t treat them as separate but, instead,
begun implementing them to better manage, engage with, and enable more convenience for their employees. This task falls with the HR departments, and is making their lives (and those of employees) a little easier, one click at a time. The extent of this is further corroborated by McKinsey research, which states that close to 56% of typical HR tasks, from hiring to retirement, can potentially be automated by using current technologies. Let us look into some of the ways in which this is being done:
Greater efficiency in recruitment practices Up until a few years ago, for HR teams, recruitment meant long hours, tedious paperwork and largely monotonous, manual tasks while screening candidates.Now, with processes becoming digitised, it is easier for HR to automate the screening process, filter out relevant candidates and carry out followups accordingly via an app, with real-time communication.
Digital attendance processes Given that most organisations, especially those operating on a large scale, have several employees to keep track of, apps
70 | november 2019
MYMOBILE
are coming into play to manage daily
While this comes in handy for
processes for each employee. This includes
monitoring and improving performance,
automating processes for attendance,
apps can also play a key role in
leave, documentation, policies and
facilitating better security for every
reimbursements and can be done for
employee. Through features such as
employees operating out of multiple
GPS alerts and sensors, start/stop
locations.
reports for work carried out, employers
Guest Column
by invitation
For example, if an employee wants to take leave, instead of going through
“With the automated, digital nature of apps improving them to simply select convenience manifold, it eliminates the the day on which need for HR teams to spend hours on they need leave. administrative tasks and, instead, allows them If it is approved, it will remain as to turn to more pressing issues and value is, but if it is not, addition for the organisation. Gone are the days through the app, when HR departments were stuck with stacks the manager can of papers, organising employee information decline a certain day if necessary. and dealing with compliance issues. S i m i l a r l y, f o r Technology has stepped in to integrate daily attendance, and streamline all these employees can simply processes� punch in/out from anywhere, multiple verbal approvals and emails, such apps allow
as the apps can use geo-tagging, geo-fencing and shift management to ensure this is done correctly. Since all of it
can ensure that have a comprehensive
is digital, employees can see their current
view of employee activity to ensure they
and past records, seeing how many hours
are on the correct route and location at
of their employees without being overly
they’ve clocked in, how many leaves they
all times.
intrusive, and allow employees to engage
have left, and how many they have already taken.
Facilitating remote collaboration, performance management and security
Enhancing employee engagement
with the desired function/department in a seamless manner. With the automated, digital nature of apps improving convenience
With real-time communication, through
manifold, it eliminates the need for HR
one-to-one chat and broadcast groups with
teams to spend hours on administrative
text and attachment features, apps can play
tasks and, instead, allows them to turn to
At any point in time, multiple teams from
a key role in taking employee engagement
more pressing issues and value addition for
different locations may be working on
to the next level. They can also streamline
the organisation. Gone are the days when
something together. By integrating real-time
feedback processes with inbuilt features to
HR departments were stuck with stacks of
performance reports based on numerous
create custom surveys and forms based on
papers, organising employee information
data points, HRM apps facilitate better
the requirement. Employees simply have
and dealing with compliance issues.
management of the workforce on the field
to fill it out on the app or webs portal. HR
Technology has stepped in to integrate and
with employee tracking. This also helps
teams can then collate the feedback and
streamline all these processes, bringing
teams to carry out remote collaboration
implement new processes/policies or alter
in greater efficiency, cost-cutting and all-
seamlessly, as everyone is communicating
existing ones accordingly.
round optimised productivity within the
instantly creating and prioritizing tasks,
New-age technology has provided HR
and each employee can be assessed on
teams, as well as employees, new avenues
areas where they excel, and those that need
for complete transparency. The key, here, is
improvement.
that they allow organisations to keep track
www.mymobileindia.com
organisation. n The author is Founder and CEO, TrackOlap
december 2019 | 71
In Conversation
face to face
“Yahoo continues to be on top of the users requirements�
Emails have become an integral part of our lives and the way we use it have changed a lot over the years, from one-to-one communications to an all-in-one depository where you keep your newsletters, credentials and of course the miscellaneous junk. All of this in one place can lead to an overwhelmingly messy inbox. And when we say Mails! A lot of us, who have been using it for some time, usually come down to Yahoo Mail. Yahoo can be traced back to 1997 when it started and by 2011, it had 281 million users globally. But there have been some ups and downs with the company, Yahoo which came as an internet star, tumbled to hold its position in the market. Amid all the struggles Yahoo still remains one of the most popular email services on the web with over 227 million monthly active users. It recently got a fresh coat of paint on its Yahoo mail application. Shankar S, Director and Josh Jacobson, Senior Director of Product Management for Yahoo Mail in a conversation with Pahi Mehra revealed how Yahoo has survived all these years and how this new version is here to stay.
72 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
face to face What was the reason behind this revamp of
What kind of responses do you think these
take advantage of the app’s features,
Yahoo Mail? Shiv: Mails today are a lot more
new up gradations will get? Josh: The
making Yahoo Mail a multi-purpose inbox,
than just a medium of communicating
user’s relationship with email has evolved
designed to help organize people’s lives in
with our friends and family. People use
over the years, and the ways in which
the way they need it.
it to store and organize personal records,
they use personal and business emails
Further, we make efforts to make our
travel itineraries, and billing info. We use
have also started to diverge. However,
services accessible to all and therefore,
it to source deals to shop from our favorite
email apps haven’t kept pace with these
in India, we provide support in 6 Indian
brands and we use it to jot down notes.
changes. Today, corporate email is largely
languages as well.
Today, it’s more important than ever to
synonymous with massive threads with
have an efficient and stress-free inbox.
far too many colleagues cc’d. Meanwhile,
There have been some direct comparisons
Therefore, we wanted to create an app
personal email has become the primary
of Yahoo Mail and Gmail, do you think Gmail
that would make Yahoo stand out of all
method for communicating with brands
is a threat to you? Shiv: Strength of e-mails
the other apps.
and businesses. Sometimes those
is based on its openness so having one
Further, to ensure that we deliver a
messages and updates are useful. Other
application being strong or not strong
product that stands out and is perfectly
times, people don’t want to be bothered
is a threat. E-mail is an ecosystem and
fitting our people’s continuous changing
with it... at least not right now - but you
different people have different needs; a
requirements we deep-dived our
know you’ll need to find it later.
consumer might choose what suits them
understanding of their requirements. We
Keeping that in mind, user satisfaction
conducted a research and found out some
has always been a priority focus area for
key issues that users these days are facing
us, we keep researching about the top
tell you that
while using electronic mail channels:
emerging trends to stay on top of our
customers
the best. We
can
Phones are getting bigger and bigger,
consumers’ requirements. Therefore, we
these days
so it was difficult to reach the menu at the
were certain that the new upgrade will get
are mostly
top of the screen with one hand.
a positive response. Till now, users have
struggling
While most understood that they
responded extremely positively to the new
with too many
could probably unsubscribe from certain
update. They like the new layout and easy-
emails in their
messages, the process was confusing,
to-use design and find functions such as
inbox
and they weren’t sure if opening the email
the unsubscribe option very intuitive and
therefore, the
or clicking within it might lead to even
helpful. We are seeing more downloads
management
more spam. While typing into a search
of the Yahoo Mail app and more users
bit becomes
box maybe one way to find things like
onboard the Yahoo Mail service.
too much of
attachments, it was hard to know what
and
a hassle for
exactly to search for, so people would
Yahoo has a lot of competitors in the markets
them.
mostly just randomly scroll through their
like Gmail and Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail,
new design of
email, and often give up.
and all these providers hold a very good
the Yahoo Mail
In general, people felt all the important
position in terms of popularity and consumer
app is directly addressing this challenge
data was getting buried amidst a sea of
base in India, so how are you standing out
and enabling our users with a seamless
unimportant messages and them just
with this competition? Shiv: We have done
and hassle-free experience. Even for users
couldn’t keep up with trying to delete it
intensive research in India and across
that are currently using services from other
all.
the globe and observed that there are a
providers, they can log in to Yahoo Mail app
lot of e-mail ideas that are universally
through other email accounts like Gmail
changing.
and Outlook and still, enjoy the advantages
Everyone uses email a little bit differently, so there is certainly no “one size fits all” approach.
Our
While I can’t comment on other
of our app’s features, making Yahoo Mail
After about one year of planning,
services, what I can tell you is that our
a multi-purpose inbox, designed to help
prototyping, testing, and listening, we
users enjoy and appreciate Yahoo Mail.
organize people’s lives in the way they
worked as a team to solve these issues.
On Android and iOS, we have received a
need it.
With this, we have successfully built an
rating of 4.6 stars with close to 7million
app that not just bridges all these gaps
reviews from users worldwide.
but also provides a lot more benefits to the users.
www.mymobileindia.com
How is this version of Yahoo Mail different
In fact, users can log in with other email
from the previous one? Shiv: The all-new
accounts like Gmail and Outlook and still
app comes with the following exciting
december 2019 | 73
In Conversation
face to face features that are available for our users
text resizing as well as a smart color
Yahoo Mail apps receive great ratings
in India.
inversion to increase contrast for low vision
and continue to grow their user base
users.
at a healthy clip, we’re always seeking
The navigation bar: Users can now find things in their inbox much faster
Deals: See all the deals and offers from
improvement. We have listened to our
than before and everything is accessible
your inbox in one clean view, organized
users every day (via ratings, reviews, direct
within a thumb’s reach. All folders can be
based by category and the quality of
feedback and surveys), and invited a few
accessed and viewed along the bottom
the deal. Browse by store, location, or
of them into our office once a week to learn
in what we call the “Joy Bar”, which can
recommended deals, and save your
how we could solve any issues they’ve had
be customized based on our customers’
favorites. Unusually great deals (like 50%
with their email experience
needs. All that’s required is to tap the
from a store that normally only gives 20%)
3-dot “More” menu on the right, tap
are highlighted as well.
You had a major data breach in 2016,
Groceries: Save money on the essentials
where almost 1 billion user’s information
with the new Grocery View. Browse & save
was compromised, so, how secure is Yahoo
Unsubscribe: This is specifically
offers from local stores and connect your
mail now? Josh: On data breach, we’re
designed for users who are sick of all the
store loyalty card to automatically apply
not authorized to speak about the
junk mails. The new Subscriptions View
your saved coupons at checkout.
background and previous events, but
“Customize”, then drag and drop the icons into the joy bar.
features helps our users to view all the
you can refer to public statements. On
mailing lists they have subscribed to and
Yahoo holds a big loyal consumers bank,
security and privacy, protecting our users’
lets them unsubscribe with just one tap.
who still uses it, so how are these new
data is a top priority for us and we invest
Attachments: With this feature, the
changes or this new version will be helpful
considerably in this effort. We strive to
users can easily find email attachments
to them? Shiv: We are very excited about
be transparent with users about how and
like photos or documents that you’ve sent
this product because it’s a clear example
when we use data, as well as empower
or received in one place. Quickly filter by
of how we are helping consumers take
their controls over how and when their data
sent, received, and file type.
control and live a better life. They’ll spend
is used. Our new privacy dashboard, for
Notifications: This feature allows
less time looking for information on their
example, is a particularly helpful feature
our users to choose to have or not have
inbox and spend more time on other
for our users.
notifications about every single email
productive activities. In other words, with
that comes in. The users choose from
the all-new version of the app, our users
Yahoo had been very stagnant and there was
categories including Active Updates --
will spend less time managing their life,
no visible growth from past some time, so what
shipping confirmations, real-time package
and more time living it.
were the reasons behind it? Josh: Yahoo Mail
tracking, and flight status updates. They
has been around for the longest time and is
can also select from 11 unique sounds
You have two versions of Yahoo Mail, paid
a pioneer in the industry. There may have
and apply different settings to each of your
and unpaid, so what are the differences
been ups and downs, but we have always
accounts to help keep them separate.
between the two? Shiv: There’s Yahoo Mail
been a consumer-focused company. From
Themes: There is now a whole new range
Pro which is the monthly and yearly paid
the very beginning, people at Yahoo knew
of theme color options. Users can choose
version for premium support. It strips out
how to understand the needs of the user.
from 14 different colors, all available in
the advertisements that aren’t related to
It has been twenty years since Yahoo has
light or dark mode. If you have iOS13 or
the user. The unpaid version comes with
been developed, and we continue to be on
Android 10, the dark mode will change
all the advertisements.
top of the user’s requirements.
Josh: In addition to these, we have
We have seen some ups and downs with
of new emerging trends and people’s
some other features that are not available
Yahoo mail in the past, so do you think this
requirements have seen a complete
for our users in India but available in other
new version is here to stay? Josh: Absolutely
transformation. This was the biggest
countries. The same is listed as below:
and you will only see this improving
inspiration for us to redesign the Yahoo
Accessibility: Yahoo Mail was designed
further. We believe it is essential to listen
Mail app and serve our users with better
with accessibility as a priority. The new
to consumers and understand their needs.
features that no other app provides. The
version of the app has been optimized for
We’ve been listening to what users want
all-new Yahoo Mail app exciting features
screen readers like Talkback on Android
and will continue to maintain and update
and is designed to help organize people’s
and Voice Over on iOS for users who have
Yahoo Mail based on this.
lives in the way they need. n pahi@mymobile.co.in
automatically with the device.
vision impairment. It supports dynamic
74 | december 2019
Over the years we have seen a lot
For example, while our existing
MYMOBILE
Live Streaming overshadowed Social Media Landscape in 2019 By Puneet Sharma
L
ive streaming - a dream of
and consumption, many global communities
into the rising video content consumption
yesteryears’ innovators in the
were built to enable users to create videos
various brands and even individuals created
digital field is now considered as
of their choice and share with their friends
high-end videos with editing, special effects
an inevitable game-changer in
and families. BIGO Technology and Byte
and more. This gave power to only selected
the social media landscape. In 2017, many
Dance are the major players in the market,
groups to create videos due to the cost of
experts from around the globe acknowledged
where BIGO Technology has carved a niche
equipment and manpower involved in the
live streaming as the ultimate future on social
for itself and has 69 technical patents and
process. However, the concept of live video
media platforms and today 28% of internet
around 414 patents are under the process of
due to the very nature of it does away with any
users from around the globe spend time
application. Other platforms like Helo, Hago,
of the aspects mentioned above. From a live
watching live videos and they are spending
Vigo Video, etc. are also active in their own
video, people do not expect and do not aim
3x of their online surfing time to watch videos.
niche where regional contents are one of the
to create a high-end video rather it is viewed
To understand the buzz around the concept
prime markets for the expansion of this genre
as a powerful tool to convey a message in real
of live streaming, let’s look into the history
of entertainment. The new-age social media
time without any edits or cuts.
of video and its evolution along with various
platforms’ endeavour is to create video-based
Therefore, many live video creating and
other factors contributing to the popularity of
communities to empower the common man
sharing platforms are gaining popularity.
live streaming.
and strengthen virtual global connectivity
These communities allow users to leverage live
by encouraging people to use their unique
videos creatively. For example, businesses can
talents and on advanced video creation
create an account to connect and sell products
platforms. The pull has been the use case of
locally and/or across state/nation boundaries.
The evolution of video content While the rest of the world experienced growth in consumption of video content early in 2006-7 with YouTube’s acquisition by Google, launch of video sharing feature on Facebook, and more. In India, video consumption, TV channels’ streaming online and other video streaming platforms experienced a boost with the introduction of data plans by Reliance Jio in 2015 at extremely low prices as compared to those offered by other telecom operators. Many attribute the growth in internet usage in India to Reliance and their disruptive data distribution strategy. Today, India accounts for 12% of the world’s
The live video tool enables the users to share
“Live streaming empowers the common man to be heard and seen uniquely and therefore it is well accepted among internet users. Live streaming promotes the authenticity of the real-world scenarios which is well received by the general audience”
quick updates of the products, its range, price, discounts and more. Any user with internet connectivity and smartphone go live and reach out to his/her audience and tell them about these new features of the product. Live streaming empowers the common man to be heard and seen uniquely and therefore it is well accepted among internet users. Live streaming promotes the authenticity of the real-world scenarios which is well received by the general audience. Today, live streaming garner higher traffic than any other kind of video content on social
total population using the internet, and data usage in 2019 has doubled as compared to
AI and the unique set of stickers and effects
media. Many influencers across fields are
last year.
which makes the user to create something
also using live video streaming to connect
very unique and provide a different flavour
with the masses and engage them with
from others.
their unique talents like lip syncing, dance,
Globally, video content is undoubtedly the most popular among internet users and this can be confirmed by the fact that 30% of Google search queries were for the word ‘video’ in 2018.
Rise of a parallel video-based social communities With the popularity of video content creation
Guest Column
by invitation
Live streaming video and its future
singing, makeup classes, culinary classes, astro sessions, etc. The parallel rise of video content and lower data prices to access that
The popularity of live streaming videos and
content provided a big boost in video content
wide acceptance of it can be attributed to
consumption in India. n
the change in video making and sharing dynamics of this concept. Earlier, tapping
The author is a brand strategist and communications consultant.
december 2019 | 75
In Conversation
face to face
“MapmyIndia aims to make the world a better place by bringing the benefits of maps, location technologies and IoT to everyone” Homegrown MapmyIndia has carved a niche for itself in the area of navigation and telematics, which is mostly dominated by Google in India. With over two decades of technological innovations in mapping technologies, the company has built comprehensive, accurate and feature enriched map datasets. MapmyIndia’s Move app is one such initiative that enables you to remotely track and monitor the locations of your vehicles and loved ones, while being updated on the vehicle health, misuse and any unsafe driving behavior. Rohan Verma, CEO and Executive Director of MapmyIndia, shares more about the company and its app, in a conversation with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Excerpts: Since Google Maps happens to be the de-
This has enabled us to develop products
we continuously improve our maps and
facto navigation app for majority of users
and solutions that are highly localized,
provide enhanced search and navigation
in India, what motivated you to foray into
best in class, made in India and made for
experience.
this space? We have been mapping the
India. MapmyIndia Move app also draws
length and breadth of this vast country for
from these insights.
Yes AR/VR is offered in our Move app. We would love users to try it.
nearly two decades. This has helped us to
The superior value proposition
understand, not just the geography of India
of the Move app is based on the
What makes MapmyIndia different from
but also develop a deep understanding of
comprehensiveness and unique
other platforms? Move app offers users
its people, dialects, languages, sensitivities
capabilities of the mapping data, map
unmatched features, flexibility and a
(social, regulatory and much more) etc.
APIs, IoT devices, navigation, telematics,
broader spectrum of use than any other
GIS, analytics and mobility. Our solutions
competitive solution:
have been tried and tested in the B2B and
Address level data - Users can navigate
B2B2C space. Also, MapmyIndia solutions
exactly to the doorstep of their destination
have touched the lives of more than 200
- house address or building - we have
mn Indians directly or indirectly.
connected the last mile, while other map
We are confident that Move app will be
apps mostly can’t navigate to the exact
a great option for the users for it is unique,
address. The user still has to ask or look
scalable, customizable and a made in
around once she reaches a location. But
India solution that will make a difference
that’s not the case with MapmyIndia
to their lives.
Move, say you want to reach S360, Greater Kailash II; the app will take you to
Can you please tell us about the technicalities
the exact doorstep.
involved in delivering navigation/tracking
Powered by MapmyIndia maps -
services? Does AI/AR/VR have any role to
MapmyIndia maps are much more
play in this regard? The core aspects of
detailed, comprehensive and precise. So
navigation, tracking are high quality map
not just does Move app offer all the same
data, software and GPS based
features like voice navigation, live traffic
IoT hardware all 3 of which
updates, searching stores and places
MapmyIndia is an expert
nearby etc. as other map apps do, but the
in. AI is a core part of our
user also gets unparalleled accuracy and
technology as using AI
precision.
MYMOBILE
Remote vehicle tracking and integration
technology expertise. Our passion and
window access to all of them, creating an
with the Move ecosystem - The Move
ambition means necessarily that we offer
ecosystem. This added advantage is also
app enables you to remotely track and
to consumers our products and services
drawing many users.
monitor the locations of your vehicles
as well, so that we can directly impact
and loved ones, while being updated on
millions and hopefully, billions of their
Are you looking for collaboration with
the vehicle health, misuse and any unsafe
lives for the better.
smartphone players similar to Google Maps
driving behavior. With Move app, you can
We have been experiencing profitable
that comes inbuilt with Android phones?
do much more than just live location
YoY growth for the last 25 years.
Although being pre-installed in the
sharing, it allows you to integrate all
Our solutions are highly monetized,
device is a big advantage, not all popular
Move IoT devices, within this single app.
encompassing the B2B and B2B2C
apps come pre-loaded on smartphones.
MapmyIndia provides IoT devices called
space. MapmyIndia has served 5000+
The adoption may take some time but
Move Devices which can be plugged in
enterprise customers with solutions
if the product is good, users eventually
or installed in all your vehicles and these
having touched almost every sector
gravitate to it. We are confident about the
send back information about the location,
quality of the Move app, which offers a
movement, health and driver behavior
great alternative and ensures that users
“The Move app always find and reach their destination regardless of where you are visconveniently. Besides, Move is an takes a unique social/community a-vis your vehicle. indigenously-developed app by an approach to make our roads, Power to the user - Move Indian company. We understand neighborhood, cities and country safer and takes a unique social/ like no one else just for the community approach reason that we are Indians. better. Move allows users to see and report to make our roads, hyper local issues pinpointed to specific neighborhood, cities What’s your strategy to be a locations - for example, where traffic jams, and country safer and prominent player in the given better. Move allows segment? MapmyIndia potholes, water logging, fire burning, garbage users to see and report is already a partner of dumps, broken street lights, unsafe areas, hyper local issues choice amongst Automotive accidents and crimes have happened etc. pinpointed to specific OEMs, BFSI, Logistic, locations - for example, FMCG companies, to name this allows you as a user to know where traffic jams, potholes, a few. We command more than about and avoid such unsafe water logging, fire burning, 80% share in the Indian automotive areas or routes” garbage dumps, broken street lights, sector. Governments and government of your vehicles to your Move app,
unsafe areas, accidents and crimes have
bodies use our solutions extensively. We
happened etc. - this allows you as a user
viz. automotive, ecommerce, BFSI,
have partnered with ISRO for satellite
to know about and avoid such unsafe
government, corporate, tech developer and
imagery and our devices and solutions
areas or routes. At once the Move app
fleet/logistics sectors among others. And
are compatible with NavIC, the Indian
keeps you safe, and assists the concerned
MapmyIndia enjoys a dominant position
equivalent of the GPS. This provides a
authorities in the upkeep of roads/
in most of the sectors it operates.
big comfort to the departments that are
neighborhoods/cities etc. We moderate
accustomed to using ISRO’s satellite
the user contributed information and also
How is the response of Move app on Google
imagery. They can use MapmyIndia
combine it with analytics from IoT sensors
Play and App Store? With users realizing
maps mashed up with that. We being an
placed in vehicles and across the country
the strong value proposition offered,
entrenched Indian company and working
and partner with government authorities to
the MapmyIndia Move app is getting
with the government, offer our users the
improve reliability and responsiveness.
great traction on both Android and iOS
comfort of being compliant with the GOI
platforms. As I have already explained
guidelines. We also have a strong presence
Who are your prominent subscribers in
that Move app offers unique platform,
amongst the developer community. We
India and what is your business model?
with value proposition going much
offer them the best-in-class MapmyIndia
MapmyIndia’s mission is to make the world
beyond navigation and tracking. The app
Map APIs that are fully scalable. Our
a better place by bringing the benefits of
downloads are also aided by the popularity
pricing plans ensure maximum economy
maps, location technologies and IoT to
of our Move devices. Since the Move app
everyone, leveraging our unique data and
integrates all Move devices to offer a single
while being high on flexibility. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in
www.mymobileindia.com
In Conversation
face to face
december 2019 | 77
Trendz
consumer insight
Censorship for Streaming Platforms Surprisingly, more than half of Indians want content to be regulated on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar etc
E
ven as the government is considering censorship on digital platforms, the majority of people in India (57%)
9 in 10 people in India think content should be regualted by the Government Do you think content (either on TV, films or online channels) should be regulated by the government?% who said this
think that censorship is required for online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, Voot, and so on, according to a new research by YouGov, an internet-based market research and data analytics firm. While 27% think it is not required, one in six (16%) are unsure of it,
Source : YouGov
the study says.
censorship. Nine in ten (91%) said
content regulation for online streaming
content- either on TV, films or online, should
platforms, close to half (47%) said they
be regulated by the government, either
feel better quality content will be created
always (as said by 40%) or sometimes
as well as watched by people due to
(51%). Interestingly, men are more likely
this change. However, some people feel
than women to say they want content to
otherwise and hint at a gloomy outcome-
be regulated always (45% vs 34%) while
piracy and illegal downloading will increase
women are more likely to want censorship
(32%) and the quality of content will suffer
sometime (56% vs 46%).
due to this (30%).
According to the research, most people
When it comes to the possible impact
feel (59%) a lot of offensive content,
on viewership, people in India are equally
unsuitable for public viewing, is being
divided. 29% think censorship will lead
created nowadays and hence should be
to an increase in viewership on online
censored. Almost as many (57%) fear that
streaming platforms but almost as many
inappropriate content can have an adverse
(28%) think the opposite- it will decrease
impact on children. Close to half (47%)
tune-ins into these platforms.
Naturally, the older age cohorts are
find it uncomfortable to watch certain types
People in West India are most likely
more likely to affirm to content regulation
of content around family and hence wants
to feel the negative impact strongly.
than the younger ones. Amongst all the
some regulation.
Compared to the other regions, not only
age groups, GenX is most likely to say
Even though the majority (57%) thinks
do more people in this region (37%) think
censorship is needed while GenZ is least
content censorship is important, many
this move will lead to a slump in online
likely to say so (66% vs 35%), the study
(36%) believe regulation should only be
viewership, just as many (38%) feel the
points out.
for mass mediums like TV and films but
quality of content will suffer as well due to
not for online mediums.
this move. n
In general, an overwhelming majority of Indians support some form of content
78 | december 2019
When asked about the likely effects of
team@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
Consumer insight
Binge-Watching Up 23% in India As streaming video reaches an all-time high, delivering on viewers’ high-performance expectations is a key to retaining subscribers
O
nline video streaming has
the survey is that smartphones are the
now reached an all-time high
primary streaming device. Digital devices
as the world now watches
such as computers and laptops came next
them for 6 hours and 48
on the list followed by a connected device
minutes weekly – with the same figure for
or a smart TV. The top spot as the most
Indians being 8 hours and 33 minutes or
popular content in India was shared by
1 hour 45 minutes higher than the global
both TV Shows and News, with Movies and
average. This is according to the new “State
professionally-developed content on social
of Online Video 2019” research report by
media coming next on the list.
Limelight Networks, a leading provider of edge cloud services.
“India is quickly opening up to the idea of online video streaming,” said Ashwin
The report also found that the time
Rao, Director - Sales, Limelight Networks,
spent on binge-watching is also on the rise
India. This ongoing trend has been
in India, jumping more than 23 per cent
highlighted time and again by our State of
from last year to an average of 2 hours, 25
Online Video studies over the years. Now,
TV remains higher than online video
minutes at a time. In the global survey,
as data costs are further lowering and
across every country except Singapore
Indians were also less apprehensive of pre-
smartphone penetration increasing, people
roll advertisements, with 84.8 per cent
living even in the remotest of regions are
• Price sensitivity is the deciding factor
being either affirmative or neutral if the
coming under the fold of digital technology
in video subscriptions. Increasing price
content is free. The survey also revealed
and services. It is opening new avenues for
continues to be the primary reason why
that Indians mostly watch online videos
India’s content creators and aggregators
people claimed (28 per cent) they will
from home, followed by travel or commute.
to tap the burgeoning market with
cancel their cable subscription. 15 per
Since India is new to the digital bandwagon,
quality programming and seamless user
cent Indians said they will do so if all
it doesn’t come as a surprise that 89 per
experiences. Limelight Networks enables
content they watch becomes available
cent are also subscribed to cable TV. This
them to do precisely the same, while also
online.
figure was observed to be the lowest for
tapping the global market with its robust
• Streaming advertisements shouldn’t
Japan, where the subscriptions turned out
and highly scalable global infrastructure
disrupt the viewing experience. Global
to be just 39 per cent or less than half as
– leaving no stone unturned in terms of
consumers are most accepting of ads
compared to India.
content delivery.”
during an online video if they can skip
The study also pointed out that the
and India.
it (59 per cent) or if it’s a short ad before
adoption of dedicated streaming devices
Additional insights:
is also gradually increasing in India. 27
• Broadcast viewing takes a hit as
• Mobile phones are the preferred
per cent of the respondents owned Google
online videos become more popular.
online streaming devices. Like the last
Chromecast and 34 per cent owned
Broadcast videos are bearing the brunt
year, smartphones continue to be the
Amazon Fire TV Stick. 18 per cent of the
of smartphone adoption in India as
primary streaming device for Indians
respondents didn’t have any streaming
the users are looking towards them for
followed by computers. However, there
device at all. Another key takeaway from
their primary entertainment. Online
was also an increase in video viewing
video watching has
via tablet this year. It needs to be also
now officially become
noted that smartphones have overtaken
the preferred go-to
computers as the preferred streaming
entertainment alternative
device for global consumers for the first
for Indians. Global
time. n
viewership for traditional
www.mymobileindia.com
a free video (57 per cent).
team@mymobile.co.in december 2019 | 79
Guest Column
by Invitation
Technology making legal system/ services – accessible, efficient, transparent and affordable By Akshat Singhal
T
he Indian judicial system
how can the law firms be behind! Many
result of every argument put forth in any
has come a long way, though
leading firms in India have recently
case and can identify patterns in cases that
still not perfect, the entry of
incorporated Artificial Intelligence tools
lead to certain outcomes.
cutting edge technology has
in their systems. These AI solutions help
Searching for a case law is just a matter of
made many processes/services accessible,
lawyers capture relevant clauses and
clicks: Online search and archive platforms
seamless and speedy. Gone are the days
have made it simpler for lawyers, their
when courts gave a drab and archaic look.
clients and law students to search cases/
internet without any middleman. It is not
and clients can access the data of the
uncommon to witness an important court
pending cases in courts throughout India.
“There are Nowadays, these are modern buildings precedents. Moreover, it has made it easier online lawyer marketplaces equipped with state-of-the-art for people with pending cases to get the gadgetry – WiFi, Servers, Cloud status of their case online instead like Legistify that have revolutionised services and Video conferencing of running after their lawyers and the way the legal system in India works, by to name a few. Portals of the wasting time. Earlier, the only providing fixed cost legal services. One can Supreme Court of India, the solution for finding cases was High Courts and other allied very cumbersome - the time easily consult a lawyer and book a legal websites have cut a lot of consuming manual search for service in just a matter of minutes. Some of red tape and have brought the relevant case files in court these platforms also provide free legal advice many legal services onto libraries. services to individuals looking for basic advice. the user’s mobile screen. National grid to search Routine things like for pending cases: Another They also offer a platform where individuals/ hearing dates, cancellation/ important innovation has been entrepreneurs seeking legal services postponements, case status, the introduction of the National can connect with the independent judges bench, appointments etc. Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), which is can now be directly accessed over the an online portal through which lawyers legal firms” hearing happening via video conferencing, in case one or another party has a genuine reason for not being able to be physically present in the courtroom. Technology has considerably reduced the time-space gap, saving millions of hapless litigants, their time, money and sweat. Making litigation data and facts driven: With courts upping the ante on technology,
80 | december 2019
important information from structured contracts and other documents. This proves to be extremely useful while reviewing complicated long-drawn contracts and agreements. Also, Artificial intelligence legal software is helping to predict the probable outcome of a pending case with remarkable accuracy. AI, by the use of analytical algorithms, can predict the end
NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage and reduce pendency of cases. It can be accessed through www.njdg.ecourts. gov.in. Reducing the burden of the courts: The development of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) has been remarkable in this century. ODR is basically a branch of dispute resolution which uses technology
MYMOBILE
to facilitate the resolution of disputes
and firms track cause list, receive updates
Online lawyer marketplaces: Every
between parties. It primarily involves
on the status of the case, perform research
litigant needs a lawyer – competent,
negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or
and track invoices. Advocates can also
accessible, dependable and affordable.
a combination of all three. So, in other
subscribe for case alerts and hearing alerts
Hence, last but not least, there are online
words, it can be said to be an online form of
with the help of these tools. Furthermore
lawyer marketplaces like Legistify that have
ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution). ODR
management tools like Kleos from Wolters
revolutionised the way the legal system in
involves the creation of a virtual replica of
Kluwer, automates workflow and helps
India works, by providing fixed cost legal
physical setting and conduct proceedings
law firms in defining routine processes.
services. One can easily consult a lawyer
by using various means of information
Also, they increase efficiency, improve
and book a legal service in just a matter
exchange consisting email, SMS, digitized
organization and establish accountability
of minutes. Some of these platforms
documents, grid computing as well as video
at any law firm. Nevertheless, legal
also provide free legal advice services to
and teleconferencing. Some other benefits
technology can help any firm keep better
individuals looking for basic advice. They
of ODR are that it is efficient, economical,
client records, track client communication,
also offer a platform where individuals/
non-confrontational, requires less physical
and promise complete online security and
entrepreneurs seeking legal services can
interaction and minimizes physical storage
data secrecy.
connect with the independent legal firms,
Do-it-yourself document creation tools:
taking their legal practice to the next levels.
Numerous document generation tools have
The lawyers can expand their services by
started using WhatsApp and SMS services
been launched in the past few years which
acquiring more clients from different parts
for serving summons. Courts have also
provide various standardised documents
introduced interactive voice response
like Contracts, Affidavits, NDA, Wills etc.
system (IVR) and Helpline contacts,
All you need to do is fill in the required
through which the litigants and applicants
details in the tool and hit the generate
can stay updated on their individual case
button. This has proved to be extremely
status.
helpful for advocates who can now simply
of documents. More comprehensive and accurate
Guest Column
by invitation
evidence analysis: One of the most remarkable impacts of technology has been seen in the judicial procedural domain. Almost all leading courts in India are using technological tools to analyse evidence. For instance, fingerprint matching is conducted with the help of software like NEXA, voice matching through SESTEK, and DNA matching using tools like iNquiry, Lasergene and Sequencher. Besides these, numerous tools have been used by courts for matching handwriting, blood samples and reconstructing the images of suspects. Keeping the litigants informed: Courts these days have also started sending SMS alerts of hearing dates and cause list. This not only saves time of advocates and clients but helps lawyers in ensuring that they do not miss a court hearing. All you need to do is download the eCourts Services mobile app or you can log onto www.ecourts.gov. in. Some High Courts in India have also
Tech-driven administration and
generate documents through these tools
management tools: Various law practice
instead of wasting hours in drafting each
management tools have surfaced in the
document manually and reviewing them for
past few years which are helping advocates
grammatical and other errors.
www.mymobileindia.com
of the globe. At the same time, they can continue their services at a law firm or by working independently. And the best part is that the Legistify platform is sector or domain agnostic - the expertise/services on offer include civil and criminal litigation services for individuals and companies of any scale or size.n The author is Founder and CEO, Legistify, a leading legal technology platform.
december 2019 | 81
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Devices featured in the My Guide have been segregated into different categories based on price and colourcoded as:
Up to Rs. 2,499
Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999
Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 9,999
Rs.10,000 – Rs. 14,999
Rs.15,000 – Rs. 19,999
Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 29,999
RS. 30,000 and above.
Tablets
Apptastic
Yahoo Mail (Reimagined) An inbox for new-age users
M
to communicate. We rely
Stand-out features in Yahoo Mail:
on our (multiple) inboxes
• Design refresh and deeper
ost of us don’t just use email
to do this and much more. To store
customization: A revamped
and organize our personal records,
interface that is built with today’s
travel itineraries and all kinds of billing
taller mobile screens in mind
info. And there’s shopping – we use
allows for intuitive one-hand usage
our inbox to source deals to shop from
with the new navigation bar at the
our favourite brands. Of course with
bottom of the screen. The layout
so much going on, the information
is cleaner, colourful, easier to
overload can be overwhelming. Today,
use, and customizable. You can
it’s more important than ever to have an
personalize your push notifications
efficient and stress-free inbox and that’s
to highlight which type of mail you
a direction the inbox is now moving in.
wish to be alerted to (personal vs.
Inside the new Yahoo Mail app
promotional) and tailor your inbox with custom colour themes and sounds. There is also a drag
Yahoo Mail recently overhauled and
and drop interface with fun
rolled out a new version of its Mail
animations.
app – completely reimagining the way
• Photos and files in one
people use and even think about their
place: Easily find email
inboxes. The new Yahoo Mail recognizes
attachments like photos
that everyone uses email a little bit
or documents that you’ve
differently, getting rid of the “one size
sent or received in one
fits all” approach. The Yahoo Mail app
place. Quickly filter by sent,
empowers users to personalize and
received, and file type.
control their inboxes, focusing on what
(No more endlessly scouting for
for work, Yahoo for
matters most to them. A big part of this
important files, travel documents,
home, and Gmail
event tickets, and photos!)
for everything else,
comes through a revamped design and features that organize the clutter in
• Manage email subscriptions: Sick
the Yahoo Mail app
your inbox. The app now offers greater
of junk mail? You can browse the
makes it easy to keep
customization and much more choice in
emails you are subscribed to and
everything in its right
an easy to use and intuitive experience.
unsubscribe from any newsletter
place.
Additionally, users can log in with other
with a single tap without leaving
email accounts like Gmail and Outlook
the app.
and still take advantage of the app’s
• Log in with other email accounts:
• Available in 50 different languages: The app is available in 50 different
features, making Yahoo Mail a multi-
Users can log in with other email
languages, including 8 Indian
purpose inbox.
accounts like Gmail and Outlook
languages – Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi,
and still take advantage of the app’s
Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi,
A USP we love: Yahoo Mail offers 1 terabyte (TB) of free storage. Compare
features. Add your Outlook, AOL or
Tamil and Telugu.
that to the 15GB from most other email
Gmail accounts and keep everything
What do users think? The Yahoo Mail
services – where the only way out is to
in one place. Custom settings,
app remains a top productivity app, with
delete and free up space or alternatively
colours and notifications make it a
4.5 stars on Google Play Store and 4.6
buy more space through a storage
breeze to keep your email accounts
stars on the App Store. n
subscription.
separate. So, if you’re using Outlook
www.mymobileindia.com
team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 105
Feature
Apptastic
WPS Office 2020
Ensure your productivity with this fully-loaded Office suite
K
ingsoft’s flagship office
you can conference call via WPS Office
Spreadsheet
software suite WPS
2020) and Wired Projection. If you’re a
WPS Spreadsheet is again the equivalent
Office 2020 was recently
first-time user, I suggest going through
of MS Spreadsheet. I tried doing a
launched globally, including in India.
individual pre-installed guides on how to
simple expense statement and found it
WPS (expanded Writer, Presenter,
use Writer, Presenter and Spreadsheet,
quite easy to navigate. Enter your “=”
Spreadsheet) Office is set to disrupt
which you’ll find on the home screen.
sign, choose the tab, select the operation
By clicking the “Plus” icon, a screen
of arithmetic. Adding or moving columns
will appear, this is where you can
and rows can be done effortlessly.
start accessing Writer, Presenter and
Personally, I really liked the design of
Spreadsheet.
a multifunction keyboard. With “Tab”,
Writer
columns etc. With “fx∑”, you can enter
Writer is the documentation software and
specific formulae or select from a range
the traditional mind-
my experience with it has been seamless.
of pre-identified formulae.
set of having MS
If you have used MS Word, I guarantee
Office as the regular
that the UI/UX is already in your muscle
software tool and
memory. The dashboard will allow you to
intends to challenge
use all functions you ideally use on the
Wired & Wireless Projection and Conferencing
the status-quo. I tried
“Home” tab on Word: these are Fonts,
Apart from the functionalities of Writer,
the premium and free
Font size, Highlight, Bold, Underline,
Presenter and Spreadsheet, WPS Office
versions of WPS Office
Spacing etc. I also noticed all fonts are
comes with a mixed bag of features
2020 on my iPhone,
supported on WPS Office 2020, which
that could come in very handy on-
and here’s my review of the suite.
makes it easier to switch between office
the-go. There is an option to conduct
I downloaded the WPS Office
suites, without facing any formatting
conference calls which helps in seamless
2020 suite from App Store,
issues. If you experiment with the app
collaborations between team members
Android users can download it
just long enough, you will get a hang of it
and colleagues. Obviously, other parties
from Play Store.
quite fast.
will need to have WPS Office 2020
Kickstarting the app
Presenter
Upon opening the app, we see a
With WPS Presenter, making simple
either a wired or a wireless connection,
screen with multiple functions on
and complex presentations on-the-go
meaning you don’t necessarily need to
top, these include QR Camera,
(besides viewing) is quite easy. This is the
carry your laptop with you.
File Transfer, Conferencing (Yes,
same as your MS PowerPoint-the layout,
in order to use this function. You can also project your files via a projector by
feel, formats, templates- all remain the
Conclusion
same. On the freemium version, I noticed
Overall, my experience with this office
that if you want to access more layouts
suite on iPhone has been great. I would
on Presentation, these aren’t already
surely recommend using the free version
installed on the device, you’ll have to tap
or purchase the premium one for Rs
the layout and juxtaposition you want,
2,149, per year. This is quite affordable
once done it will download it for you. Do
if you compare it with MS Office Home,
note that you will need internet access
which costs Rs 5,299 and Office 265
for the app to download the layout or
Personal is priced at Rs 4,199 per year.n
juxtaposition you want.
108 | october 2019
you can move around tabs, edit rows and
team@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
Apptastic
Guide
CamScanner
It could be the best deal for scanning documents on your phone
H
aving an app that allows you to scan your document on the go is always useful, rather
than just clicking pictures and sending them, especially when you need to send documents for official purposes. This is when CamScanner comes into play. CamScanner is an intelligent document management solution for individuals,
printouts.
small businesses, organizations,
While if you
governments and schools. It is the
are a VIP user,
perfect fit for those who want to digitize,
make annotations or add customized
there are some
scan, sync, share and manage various
watermark.
major updates
contents on all devices. CamScanner is one of the most robust
• Collaborate On Scans - Share with
waiting for you
your friends by collaborating, or via
such as High
scanning applications for smartphone
email, WhatsApp, WeChat or via link
Quality scans,
worldwide. You can scan anything you’d
to other social networks.
Edit OCR results
like, including your receipts. Processing
• Sync across Devices - Sync docs
and Export as .txt
is quick and easy, and there are even
across smartphones, tablets and
files, Take a photo
options for converting to PDF or JPEG.
computers.
of a paper form
It even has a file system, allowing you
• Wireless Print, Fax globally - Support
and convert the
to tag your scans and organize them in
wireless printing. You can also fax to
photo to Excel
categorized folders.
more than 30 countries and regions
version, Create
CamScanner has recently updated its
• Cloud backup - Real-time
Doc Collage for
app, keeping the Indian market in mind.
synchronization of files to the cloud,
multiple pages,
Some of these updates include features
Secure backup and never lost.
plus 10GB cloud
such as:
Upload all your docs to Evernote,
space and tons of
• High-quality scan - Recording and
Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive
other beneficial
managing your various documents, receipts, notes and whiteboard discussions easily. • Auto edge cropping - Capture
• Form recognition - Take a photo of a paper form and convert the photo to Excel version • Book Scan (Only Android) - Shoot a
features. Whether you are a student, a scientist, a housewife or an engineer, there are some parts of life
document by phone, remove busy
book, automatically split the left and
background, generate high resolution
right pages, and straighten the bent
the go. At such instances, CamScanner
JPEG or PDF file
text.
is the perfect app for you. There are 3
• OCR, Convert image to text - Auto
• PPT model - Special PPT shooting
when we need to scan our documents on
variants of the app available at Google
OCR for easy search. Convert images
mode, shooting PPT automatic edge
Play and App Store – one being free,
to text files. Support 16 languages
cutting, without manual focus and
the other two provides with additional
make the effect more clear.
features capable of solving all your scanning and editing problems. n
including Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean. • Rich Editing Functions - Add notes,
www.mymobileindia.com
• Identification model - Support automatic generation of certificate
team@mymobile.co.in
december 2019 | 107
Gadget Corner
add-ons 1More Portable Bluetooth Speaker Your travel companion
E
xpanding its product portfolio, consumer audio brand 1More has now launched its portable
Bluetooth speaker in India. The speaker features the
Price: INR 10,999
company’s self-invented Bluetooth 4.2 for seamless encoding and decoding transmission giving you an undisturbed wireless listening experience. It also features a 3.5 mm audio jack for wired playback when required. The 1More portable Bluetooth speaker comes with multiple pairing modes-enabled allowing you to pair two 1More speakers together.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology in this
The speaker is powered by a 2,600mAh battery, which
speaker controls the frequency output at different volume
claims to give you 12 hours of continuous music play. It
levels. The 0.75” Tweeter and 3.3” Woofer paired with
comes with a special Nano coating, earning it an IPX4
the smart algorithm of the DSP chipset adjusts the treble,
rating, protecting you against water and sweat. The cloth-
midrange and bass dynamically to maintain a balanced
like exterior and lightweight portable design allows you
sound field at all volume levels. It is currently available
to store and carry your Bluetooth speaker with ease. The
in Black colour at india.1more.com..n
Amazon Echo Flex A plug-in smart speaker with Alexa built-in
A
mazon India has brought a new product for your
standard electrical outlet. It is a mini form of the Echo
household, called the Echo Flex plug-in smart
speaker with Alexa built in. It can respond to your regular
speaker that saves on space by plugging directly into a
Hey Alexa commands and can perform the functions of the regular Echo speakers. These include making hands-
Price: INR 2,999
free calls to other Echo device users, play your favourite music and control the smart gadgets like lights etc. The other interesting feature is that the Amazon Echo Flex can be used to charge your mobile phone through a USB-A type cord. The charger is rated up to 7.5W. Amazon claims they have developed this product after they received the feedback from their customers. The general sense was people were wondering where they may keep the Echo or Echo Dot speakers. The company simply solved this dilemma by releasing this Echo Flex speaker that does not require any space, just the plug socket. If you are not happy with the audio level from this Echo Flex device, you can use the 3.5mm audio output jack on it to plug extra speaker of a larger size. The shipments are expected to commence on December 10. Amazon is also offering a free Wipro smart LED bulb (9W) worth Rs 2,099 on the purchase of every Echo Flex.n
108 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
Gadget Corner
add-ons Anker 10W Wireless Charging Pad No need to remove cases
D
igital product maker Anker has come up with its first 10W wireless charging pad in India, which
comes with the unique Fast Charge Mode to charge devices up to 2x faster. The charging pad is designed ultra-thin to fit perfectly on any desk or nightstand. The
Price: INR 3,499
premium design also comes with breathing LEDs that indicate device and charger status. The indicator will
features such as temperature control, overcurrent
turn off when charging is complete. Its anti-slip surface
protection, over voltage protection and more, ensuring
and soft protective edges keep your phone from sliding
total protection for the devices and usage. The Qi-
off during charging.
certified charging pad is compatible with most of the
There is no need to remove cases/covers while a
devices, and comes with 18 months’ warranty and a 3ft
device is getting charged. The exclusive Multifunctional
micro USB cable. The product in Black is available with
Intelligent Protect Technology ensures advanced safety
leading retail and ecommerce stores in India.n
Ambrane Infinity Made for music and travel enthusiasts
H
omegrown tech firm Ambrane has introduced the
portability, the Infinity 5W claims to be extremely light in
Infinity 5W (BT47) Bluetooth speaker with stereo
weight and compact in size so that you can stow it away
sound experience. Designed in wireless fashion for easy
in your bag and carry anywhere with ease. The speaker comes with a 1,200mAh battery that can work up to 4
Price: INR 1,999
hours non-stop. It also features an inbuilt microphone so that it can be used for hands-free calling. It can be connected to another speaker in such a manner that both connected speakers play unanimously to give greater dispersion of music. The latest Bluetooth version 5.0 used in the portable speaker makes it a dynamic performer that works easily within a distance of 10 meters without any disruption. No more worries about dirt and water splashes while carrying this speaker outdoors, as it meets IPX6 quality standards. The waterproof attribute makes it best for pool parties. The body of the speaker is covered with mesh material which prevents it from shocks and sudden falling. It is available in Black colour with retail and ecommerce stores across India.n
MYMOBILE
add-ons Beyerdynamic Blue Byrd Feel free like a bird
G
erman audio equipment maker Beyerdynamic has come up with its Blue Byrd in-ear headphones in
India, which are lightweight and convenient to use. Featuring the innovative MOSAYC sound personalization, they are said to be made for everyone who loves absolute freedom and perfect musical enjoyment. Their casing is based on the remarkable design featured by the Beyerdynamic Xelento and has been perfectly adjusted to the ergonomics of the human ear. They claim to offer a stylish design and perfect craftsmanship. Their battery lifetime of up to six hours makes these headphones great mobile companions that can be recharged quickly via USB Type C charger. With its universal three-button remote for iOS and Android devices, Bluetooth technology and the latest audio codecs like aptX and AAC, the Blue Byrd combines maximum convenience and best wireless sound quality, Beyerdynamic claimed. Additionally, they feature the audio codec aptX Low Latency, which provides perfect lip synchronicity when using the headphones with modern
Price: INR 10,499 TVs as well as compatible notebooks or tablets. The Beyerdynamic Blue Byrd can be purchased in India via Headphonezone, Flipkart and Amazon.n
Blurams Dome Pro The smart security camera with Facial Recognition feature
I
ntelligent imaging solutions provider Blurams has
Amazon. The Blurams Dome Pro comes with the Facial
launched its first smart security camera called Dome
Recognition feature which will help create a database
Pro for the Indian consumers
of friends and family members who regularly visit one’s
and it will be available on
house. The smart security camera comes equipped with a built-in Bluetooth chip which enables family members
Price: INR 4,449
to view 4 cameras on one screen via their Android / iOS phones and Web app for privacy. Other features include distortion correction, 3D noise reduction, 2-way audio, built-in m i c r o p h o n e a n d s p e a k e r, u p t o 1 2 8 G B microSD cards, and 24 hours free cloud storage services for the lifetime. The Blurams Dome Pro camera has an 8-meter range with 8pcs IR-LEDs for night vision, which turns on automatically in low light so one can see clearly even in the dark. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant and offers two-way audio, “listen and talk back” through the camera from a smartphone.n
DECEMBER 2019 | 111
Gadget Corner
add-ons Digitek DBS 008 Designed to deliver high definition sound on the go
H
omegrown consumer technology brand Digitek has expanded its DBS series of Bluetooth speakers with
the launch of DBS 008, which is a palm-sized 6 Watt deep bass speaker designed to deliver high definition sound on the go, with harmonic distortion for less than 3%. The Digitek DBS 008 comes packed with Bluetooth version
5.0 + EDR and can be easily connected to smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This compact device also sports a screw mount holder to secure the device while being outside. For connectivity, the speaker also supports AUX input, USB input and TWS. Music enthusiasts can also connect to their favourite FM channel on-the-move and add charm to their radio listening experience. The other notable features of this speaker are the built-in microphone
over 7 hours of music or 4-5 hours of call time when
and line-in facility to enhance the calling experience. It
charged for complete 3 hours. The Digitek DBS 008
sports 800mAh rechargeable battery which can deliver
speaker is available on Amazon and Flipkart.n
Boat Airdopes 201 Keep moving with your favourite tunes
L
ifestyle audio brand Boat has launched Airdopes
hours of playtime while each earbud works for 3 hours
201 portable true wireless earbuds, to target the
on a single charge. When in use the Capacitive Touch
youthful consumer base in India. The product claims
Controls allow you to pick tracks and answer calls with
to offer premium HD sound powered with audio drivers
zero hindrance. The sensors on the side of each earbud
that gently leads you down the road of nirvana. The
make for a fun all function encompassing interaction
Boat Airdopes 201 has a sleek and lightweight design
with mono and stereo hands-free communication for an
that is meant for today’s millennial generation who are
ergonomic secure fit experience while on the go. The
trendsetters and demand style and sound at affordable
earbuds are IPX 4 sweat and waterproof. It carries a 1
price points.
year warranty and is available at Amazon. n
The Boat Airdopes 201 is powered by Bluetooth V5.0 which offers stable connectivity along with a clear stereo sound and allows for high ranges of movement as you groove to the effing dope beat. The premium 470mAh charging case allows for easy manoeuvrability as you ride the highest waves of nirvana on your Boat with a total 9
112 | december 2019
Price : INR 2,499
Gadget Corner
Cadyce Universal Travel Adapter It can easily fit in your pocket
C
adyce, an innovator in hardware solutions, mobile and computer accessories, and networking technology,
has announced the availability their Universal Travel Adapter in India. When it comes to must-have products while traveling worldwide, this is the utmost essential product to carry. After making waves on the international stage with its premium range of Display Adapters, Computer peripherals, and USB Type C cables, the IT giant is firming up its existence in the masses across remote areas as well. The tiny cube has smooth edges and can easily fit in your pocket and has three different blade options that can hide away easily after its use. To adapt the adapter
desired AC output as well as converts power to 5V/2.5A
in a new country, just push and turn the corresponding
and can be used via two USB-A outlets. The adapter
knob for the kind of outlet you need and the desired
comes with a built-in LED indicator as well as a built
blades will emerge and latch in place. The adapter can
in fuse for safety. Radically compact, lightweight and
be used in 150 countries and has blades suitable for the
stylish design, Cadyce’s Universal Power Adapter Cube
US, UK, EU and Australia. The handy device can give you
is available in three colours- Red, Black and Green.n
Pioneer DMH-Z5290BT A car infotainment system that ensures quality drive with quality entertainment
J
apanese car infotainment brand Pioneer has introduced
with Spotify, and a lot of other dynamic features are said
DMH-Z5290BT, a high-end car infotainment system,
to make this product an uncompromising choice for car
which claims to be packed with dozens of matchless
lovers.
features and is targeted to auto-enthusiasts to whom
The Pioneer DMH-Z5290BT also has 13-Band EQ
quality drive completes with quality entertainment. A
for advanced audio settings, 3-way network mode, and
17.6 cm wide display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
advanced sound retriever which ensure the gearheads
connectivity, smartphone videos via WebLink, full HD video
a safe, convenient, and entertaining journey in their
playback via USB, hard drive playability, compatibility
favorite wagon. Some other distinct features in DMH-
Price : INR 24,490
Z5290BT are dual camera inputs, quick smartphone charging, and video out option for rear-seat display. “This product is designed and launched to keep in mind smart consumers who demand Hi-resolution Audio and Video playback in car, seamless smartphone connectivity, and all this on a wide screen,” said Hideaki ISHII, Managing Director of Pioneer India. DMHZ5290BT operates on voice commands, which helps in distraction-free communication and navigation and ensures a safe drive. n
DECEMBER 2019 | 113
Gadget Corner
add-ons Hifiman TWS600 Having an exceptional Bluetooth range of 150 meters
P
ersonal audio brand Hifiman has come up with a new true wireless earbud called TWS600 in India
Price : INR 12,999
that offers a technological twist with Bluetooth that extends reception as far as 150 meters/490 feet. The
maximum sensitivity, which is critical for achieving the
TWS600 features Hifiman’s topological diaphragm:
best possible sound from smartphones, tablets and
each earbud’s diaphragm, which converts mechanical
other low-voltage portable devices.
vibrations to sound, is covered with a nano particle coating that contributes to greater sonic detail.
The TWS600 earphones provide 5.5 hours of playtime, with an additional 33 hours available from
Created by and for music lovers who demand the
the portable charging case. Designed for active use,
best imaginable sonics from their earphones, the
the TWS600 is IPX4-rated for resistance to sweat and
TWS600 includes several ingredients that are unique
dirt. Its ultra-low latency characteristics allow users
to the brand. For example, the company’s Advanced
to enjoy videos without audible delay. The Hifiman
Alloy Voice Coil maximizes vocal clarity and full-range
TWS600 true wireless earphones are available in India
sonic reproduction, while the Hi-tech Magnet ensures
via Amazon. n
FutureBuds Make your musical journey smooth with these earbuds by HiFuture
C
hinese personal audio brand HiFuture has entered
with auto-activation of environmental noise cancellation
India with the launch of true wireless earbuds with
(ENC).
magnetic charging case called the FutureBuds, which
FutureBuds are enabled with touch controls so that
include several ingredients that are unique to the brand.
you can, play, pause, skip tracks and even answer or
The earphones boast a rich, authentic sound with a subtle
reject calls, with one touch. You can simply control
and elegant design. These stylish Bluetooth earphones
your music, calls and voice assistant through intuitive
which are compatible across all platforms pack the
touchpad technology built into both earbuds. Other
latest Bluetooth v5.0
features include, Auto - pairing for seamless experience,
technology for longer
gesture recognition due to precision sensors where when
battery life, faster
the future buds are removed from the ears, the music
pairing and seamless
automatically stops and Google Voice/ Siri Support.
connectivity with your
The Type C and Fast Charge chip used in the design of
device up to 10 meters.
FutureBuds can charge for 15 mins and play music for 3
FutureBuds have built-in
hours. A single charge gives 6 hours of battery and total
high definition 4 mics
battery life available with the case is 25 hours, due to
and DSP technology that
the intelligent power management chip and 500mAh of
Price : INR 6,999
114 | december 2019
ensures crystal clear
battery built in sleek charging case. FutureBuds come
telephonic conversation
in White and Black colours and are available at Amazon
even in a crowded place
and Flipkart in India.n
MYMOBILE
Stuffcool 10,000mAh Power Bank Palm-size powerhouse for your phone
H
omegrown tech accessory brand Stuffcool has
with 18W power delivery to charge compatible devices
come up with a power bank, which claims to be
50-70% faster. The power bank offers 10,000mAh
very compact with QC3.0 compatibility and Type-C port
battery which is enough to charge your iPhone 2.4 times or your Android phone more than twice. It has 1 USB output – with Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility (max 18W) that can power up your smartphone/tablet faster than conventional 1A chargers/power banks. It also comes with a Type-C 18Watts Power Delivery port to fast charge the iPhones up to 50% in 30 minutes and can also charge the power bank at a similar super-speed. The Stuffcool power bank is unsurprisingly the lightest and most compact – as long as a credit card. Its build
Gadget Corner
add-ons
quality and overall feel are really premium. The textured body gives firm grip to hold the power bank. There are LEDs to show the charge level and functionality of the power bank, the company said in a statement. The product carries a 6-month warranty and is available online at stuffcool.com, Amazon and Flipkart.n
Price : INR 1,799
Soundcore Liberty Power your commute with this device
N
ew-age tech firm Anker’s sub-brand Soundcore
coated drivers produce superior sound across the entire
has launched its Liberty true wireless earbuds that
frequency range. The advanced audio technology delivers
promise the ultimate surround sound experience with
exceptional clarity with delicately tuned signature
non-stop 100-hour playtime and smart AI technology.
sound.
With IPX-5 rated protection, the sweat-proof headphones
The 8 hours of playtime on a single charge ensures
claim to match the toughest workouts.
long battery, boosted by the powerful charging case for an
The Liberty’s revolutionary graphene-
incredible 100 hours of playtime. The Liberty’s upgraded
Price : INR 9,999
design also lets you hear phone calls, in stereo for crystalclear conversations. You can easily switch between playing music and attending your phone calls. The unique GripFit technology ensures Liberty fits comfortably, yet securely in your ear. Simply slide in and turn to lock with EarWings for additional grip. You can personalise your Liberty with the addition of silky smooth liquid silicon EarTips and GripJackets in multiple sizes. The earbuds also come with smart assistant access, a single button-press that activates the AI assistant. The Liberty’s microphones are also optimised for voice recognition. The product is available in the shade of Black at leading retail and ecommerce stores in India. n
DECEMBER 2019 | 115
Gadget Corner
add-ons Tenda Dual Band Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter Enjoy high-speed connectivity on the move
N
etworking devices and equipment brand Tenda
USB socket. The Tenda U12
has launched the U12 AC1300 dual band wireless
comes with WPS button
Wi-Fi USB 3.0 adapter providing high-speed Wi-Fi
which provides advanced
technology in a compact and portable package, improving
security
connectivity on the go at an affordable price. Uniquely
supporting both WPA and
designed to be carried in your pocket, the Tenda U12
WPA2 encryption protocol
makes on-the-go mobile surfing easy, thanks to its dual-
at the push of a button.
band wireless AC technology. The Tenda U12 delivers
It is also compatible with
Wi-Fi speed up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz or 400 Mbps on
Windows XP/7/8.1/10, Mac
2.4 GHz. It uses USB 3.0 interface which has a 10 times
OS 10.6-10.2, and Linux
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0.
OS to address various
encryption,
Due to its high-speed and 256 -QAM technology, the
wireless requirements.
Tenda U12 is able to support all online activities, from
It is available through
HD video streaming to lag-free online gaming and web
authorized partners,
surfing. More specifically, it takes only 200 seconds
reseller channels and
to download a 2GB movie offering a thrilling cyber
e-commerce portals at a
experience. U12 comes equipped with an extension
price of Rs 4,000 across
cable to extend the USB connection length, making it
India. n
more convenient to plug the USB device in and out of the
Price : INR 4,000
Zoook Upbeat Offering comfortable fit to enjoy music during workouts
F
rench brand Zoook has launched Upbeat Sports
choice during a high-intensity workout. Its sleek built
wireless Bluetooth headphones in India. The
with splash-proof and sweat-proof material enables easy
headphones are built to uplift the spirits of its users
and stress-free usage. The snug fit loop over each earbud
by delivering music in its
Price : INR 999
further ensures a comfortable and closest fit possible.
pristine form. Its Bluetooth
The bigger sound drivers integrated with the
V5.0 ensures seamless
headphones along with aptX HD delivers best-in-ear
connectivity with devices
sound. The Zoook Upbeat sports wireless headphones
such as smartphones,
are also designed for receiving phone calls through its
laptops, tablets, etc, and
high-performance mic, especially designed for taking
its HD sound coupled
phone calls. The device comes with a compact and
with
bass
comprehensive control panel that allows the users to
adds to the overall user
receive calls, redial with the double press and also
experience making it
enhance their music listening experience with one-press
robust and addictive. These
buttons for play next or previous, pause, volume up and
headphones by Zoook sport
down. It has a 70mAh battery, and when charged for
a magnetic latch making it
complete 1-2 hours, the Zoook Upbeat delivers playback
a perfect music companion
time for up to 5 hours and a standby time up to 100
for fitness enthusiasts who
hours, with operating distance of 33 ft from the source
love to draw motivation
device. These headphones are available in Black colour
from the music of their
at leading online and offline stores in India.n
enhanced
MYMOBILE
add-ons ERD 3Amp Triple USB Smartphone Car Charger (Product Code - CC 33) Charging your device was never this easy on the car
H
omegrown mobile accessories brand ERD
What’s more, it ensures stabilized
Technologies has come up with the 3Amp Triple
output, low ripple and low interference
USB Smartphone Car Charger with product code CC- 33
and comes with short circuit and
in India. It’s a world class miniature electronics product,
overload protection. It has high
based on battery charging 1.2 protocol. The device
efficiency and consumes less
comes with Micro USB Data Cable and can charge three
energy. Built with high gloss
smartphones at a time. The charger ensures super fast
poly carbonate (PC) cabinet, it
charging and is based on advanced SMD Technology.
has special protection for touch phones. This ERD smartphone
Features • World class miniature electronics product • Based on battery charging 1.2 protocol • Comes with Micro USB Data Cable • Can charge 3 smartphones at a time • Super Fast Charging • Advanced SMD Technology Based • Inside Instrument Setting • Stabilized output, low ripple, low interference • Short circuit, overload protection • High-efficiency, low energy consumption • Special protection for Touch Phones • High Gloss Poly Carbonate (PC) Cabinet Inbuilt Automatic Voltage Booster
car charger has inbuilt automatic voltage booster. As is the reputation of the company, one can be sure that this charger too comes with highest international quality standard and must have gone through rigorous tests before it was introduced in the market. n
Specifications • Input Voltage: 12-24V DC • Output Voltage: 5V DC • Output Current: 3 Amp (Max) • Output Wattage: 15 Watt (Max)
Blaupunkt 4K Palladium Series Ultra HD LED TV Smart in true sense!
G
erman electronics major Blaupunkt has come up
with 1GB RAM. Moreover, the latest 4K Palladium Series
with the new 4K Palladium Series Ultra HD Smart
allows a Bombastic Sound experience complete with
LED televisions in India. The all-new Blaupunkt smart
surround sound. The TV claims to come with a premium
TVs are available in 109 cm (43”) at Rs 19,999, 124 cm
metallic frame which no other brand offers at this price
(49”) at Rs 22,999, 127 (50”) at Rs 25,999 and 140 cm
segment.
(55”) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixel, and have a
The Android-based TV also allows unlimited content
slim form factor with sleek metallic bezel. The television
from preloaded apps like Netfix, Hotstar, Prime Video
is powered by Cortex-A53 Quad Core 1.5GHz processor
and Youtube directly from the home screen. You can also mirror your smartphone’s screen on the screen of this TV by using the Blaupunkt’s Smart Series Miracasting feature. Furthermore, the TV series also comes with gaming feature which enables users to play their favourite games on the television. In addition, the television provides wireless connectivity allowing fast and reliable streaming without messy cables. The 4K Palladium Series is available for purchase on Flipkart.n
DECEMBER 2019 | 117
Gadget Corner
add-ons Air Ok Vistar Comfort The smart air purifier that can be controlled via your smartphone
I
T Madras incubated clean-tech startup Air Ok Technologies has launched its Vistar Comfort series
of air purifiers, which are easy-to-operate with UniTouch Interface that comes with a complete glass finish look. Users can control the device’s function either via the digital control panel provided on the top of the purifier or via their smartphones by connecting Wi-Fi enabled Vistar Comfort with the help of AirOk app. The app is available across platforms, including
Android and iOS. All the variants under Vistar Comfort
filter that is built with special media to absorb Carbon
(450i, 550i, and 650i) sport cloud connectivity, smart
Dioxide (CO2) and many other acidic gases in the air
switch and Particle Sensor. The variants differ only in
to make the workplace atmosphere clean, healthier and
the area coverage within which they can provide clean air
lively. These purifiers demand low maintenance with filter
and the pricing of each variant is set accordingly. Vistar
replacement in every 8-12 months depending upon the
Comfort air purifiers come packed with EGAPA Comfort
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentration levels.n
Gizmore Home Audio and Party Speakers Experience music together
H
omegrown brand Gizmore has forayed into the
has bundled a remote control as well. The GizBar series
home audio and outdoor party speakers segment
include 6000 model that comes with a price tag of Rs
with the launch of 15 new models under different series.
6,999. The soundbar comes with subwoofer support
The different series include Wheelz, Tall Boy, GizBar,
along with power LED indicator, Bluetooth/AUX/USB
Surround, Squad and Trio. The Wheelz features different
connectivity options. The Surround series comes with
models including T25000 for Rs 19,999, T6000 for
two models including 5101 for Rs 7,999 and 5150 for
Rs 13,999, T2500 for Rs 8499, T1500 for Rs 4999
Rs 4,999. The series comes with 5.1 multimedia speaker
and T1000 for Rs 2,999. The series comes loaded with
with digital LED display, remote control and an FM radio.
a DJ trolly through which one can move the outdoor
It also comes with USB/SD Card/Bluetooth connectivity
speakers along with RGB Light. It also features mic and
options. The Squad series comes with different models
guitar output along with dual mic
including 4104 for Rs 3,999, 4103
support. The series is also loaded
for Rs 7,499, 4102 for Rs 6,499
with digital LED display and
and 4101 for Rs 5,999. The series
comes with full function remote
comes with 4.1 multimedia speakers,
control.
LED display, USB/SD Card/Bluetooth
The Tall Boy series includes two
connectivity, Full Function Remote
models with DT8000 and ST6000
Control and an FM Radio. Lastly, the
for Rs 11,999 and Rs 8499
Trio series comes with 2101 model
respectively. The series features
priced at Rs 3,599. The series features
dual/single tower speaker along
2.1 multimedia speaker, LED Display,
with touch controls and digital
USB/SD Card/Bluetooth connectivity,
LED display. It also features dual-
Full Function Remote Control and an
mic support and the company
FM Radio. n
118 | december 2019
MYMOBILE
Gadget Corner
add-ons Logitech G Pro and G Pro X Sound like a Pro and hear like one with these gaming headsets
L
ogitech has launched two new Pro gaming headsets, called the G Pro and the G Pro X in India. Designed
and engineered in collaboration with top esports athletes, the newest additions to the Logitech G lineup of gaming gear combine incredible comfort and durability with high performing sound and voice technology, so gamers of all abilities can hear and sound like a pro. The Pro
X marks the debut of Blue VO!CE software, developed in partnership with the industry-leading microphone
effects including a compressor, de-esser, and de-popper.
expertise of Blue Microphones practising using Logitech
To help pros with their rigorous training and travel
G HUB advanced gaming software. Blue VO!CE is a suite
schedules, the new gaming headsets were developed
of real-time microphone effects that enables clean,
from the ground up to be comfortable enough to be worn
professional voice communication. The result is you can
for hours, while still having incredibly high durability.
tune your voice based on your individual preferences, so
This lightweight design is constructed from aluminium
teammates can hear you better, or you can sound like a
and steel and features soft memory foam earpads and a
professional streamer.
premium leatherette-wrapped headband. An extra set of
Out of the box, gamers can use the Blue VO!CE
velour-covered earpads is included with the Pro X. The
integrated recording and playback function to quickly
headsets are expected to be available across major online
select a preset filter profile and see which one sounds
and offline retail stores in India. n
right for their voice’s unique tone and volume. And, for
Price: INR 9,995 (G Pro); INR 13,995 (G Pro X)
gamers interested in another level of customization, Blue VO!CE’s advanced mode offers a full set of pro-grade
Pebble Impulse A feature-packed smartwatch to track your on-the-go lifestyle
D
igital lifestyle accessories brand Pebble has
and your sleep pattern to calculate your deep sleep time,
introduced a fitness watch called Impulse in India.
light sleep time and awake time.
The device comes with Multi-Sports Mode that records your
The all-new fitness tracker also monitors blood pressure
exercising data in different sport modes. The smartwatch
- it is capable of displaying blood pressure any time during
is also capable of keeping a tab on your calorie intake,
workouts, and tracks the SpO2 (Peripheral capillary oxygen
which will help you in achieving your fitness goals. The
saturation) level in the blood through the oxygen monitor
Impulse fitness watch also comes with a sleep monitoring
technology. The Pebble Impluse also packs features like
feature which combines the real-time dynamic heart rate
message alerts and notifications from WhatsApp and other
Price: INR 1,999
social apps. It will also alert you when someone calls on your phone or when you receive an email. You can also change music tracks and reject calls directly from the smartwatch. According to the company, the newlylaunched device is capable of delivering a battery backup of seven days in a single charge. The product is available with leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms across India.n
142 | april 2018
team@mymobile.co.in
MYMOBILE
TechTalk
Vantage Point
LOVE versus MILK is OVER now In 2020, OVER brands will be the most interesting brands fighting battle for the mass market of Smartphones in India.
M
By Faisal Kawoosa
arket is dynamic so are the
Transformation journey continues, the CIOs,
only brand which is still stroking through the
market dynamics. Some
CDOs and CISOs are increasingly realising
swim. Lava will continue to be a brand in
3-4 years back when the
the need of securing the Smartphones as
Smartphones and shall have a role to play in
Chinese origin brands were
well. In fact, many businesses of modern
Entry and Basic Smartphone segments.
entering into the market and Indian brands
times, have more Smartphone workers
The main fight will be among the OVER
were still coming to terms with the reality, I
than those using Laptops and Desktops.
(OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi and Realme) brands.
had proposed it to be a fight between LOVE
The aggregation business has partners who
These brands already enjoy over 60% of the
(Lenovo, OPPO, Vivo and Xiaomi) and MILK
are connected through Smartphones only.
sales share in Smartphones and this may
(Micromax, Intex, Lava and Karbonn). So
How will the security custodians of these
go up in 2020. In 2020, every 2 out of 3
effectively two strong blocks of Chinese and
organisations ensure that they are not put
Smartphones sold may actually come from
Indian brands were face off in the market
to risk due to vulnerabilities that exist in
OVER brands.
and eventually the whole dynamics changed,
the Smartphone arena, which could be
This market change no longer keeps LOVE
which we all are witness to.
coming from employees and such extended
and MILK segmentation relevant. Another
ecosystem.
significant reason is the supply chain for these
However, as is true with every market trend, this LOVE and MILK
brands is by now pretty much
segmentation is no more
similar. So any LOVE brand is
relevant. Year 2019 has seen
as much as Indian as is any
the market consolidating with
MILK brand and any MILK
only a handful strong players
brand is as much as Chinese
after the mass market. Of
as LOVE brand if we go by
course, there are brands with
the composition of the value
their specific propositions and
chain of these two brands.
niche like OnePlus, Apple and
Mere origin of a brand does
Nokia. Samsung remains the
not decide the segmentation;
only incumbent which is still in
there are other factors too. The
business and will continue to. It
supply chain of brands across
may see some ups and downs,
any categorisation is more or
but has all the resilience to come
less same and the good news is
back. Even if it slips from numero
India is increasingly becoming
uno, it will continue to be a
a part of this supply chain.
significant player in the Smartphone game.
The only underdog in the game I see is
While Apple, OnePlus and Nokia will
Huawei/Honor. This is the only brand hard to
continue with their specific pitch which will
predict and could throw up several surprises.
So, let’s welcome OVER brands in 2020
not attract masses, these brands will continue
With the global trade postures, Huawei/Honor
and observe how market dynamics play
to chart growth stories. Among these Nokia
would definitely want to pump aggressively
out in 2020 and beyond. For masses it’s
might not have been able to get to the level
in a market like India and 2020 we may see
going to be 5 OVERS (OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi,
in Smartphones where it could, however, I
that actually happen in a big way. So, from
Realme and Samsung) to choose from.
see a lot of things changing for the brand in
the Chinese block we may see BBK, Xiaomi
Rest niche segments will be catered by
2020. There are a lot of enterprises across
and Huawei as the three groups aggressive
Apple, OnePlus, Nokia, Lava and Huawei/
verticals where I see the security concern is
in 2020 for Smartphones in India.
Honor could be a surprise. These are the
growing especially, taking the view that along
Coming back to the mass market, the
the enterprise ICT value chain, Smartphones
Indian brands have almost lost the battle.
are the most vulnerable yet very deep, omni
Micromax, Intex and Karbonn has almost
and scattered within organisations. As Digital
given up at different levels, while Lava is the
122 | DECEMBER 2019
Indeed, the contribution has to increase and should go up to the potential India has.
brands to watch in 2020. That sums up all for the year! n The author is Founder and Chief Analyst at techARC
MYMOBILE
C
TM
RNI REG NO. DELENG/2005/15033 DL (ND) : 11/6100/2018-19-20 Posting Date 26th to 31st every month Publishing Date : 22-11-19