MxMIndia

Category: Digital

  • Set to redefine our interaction with local news

    ZMCL launches Al-Driven Pinewz Hyperlocal News app

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee Media Corporation Limited, (ZMCL) has launched an Al-driven PINEWZ Hyperlocal News app.

     

    Notes a commuique: “It provides professional journalists with a platform to create online profiles and share impactful stories and videos, connecting directly with a local audience.”

     

    Notes an unnamed Zee Media Corporation Limited spokesperson: “At PINEWZ, we seamlessly integrate cutting-edge AI with the art of human storytelling to craft a unique experience. Beyond being a mere app, we stand as your community’s storytellers, where diverse voices—ranging from everyday individuals to seasoned journalists. Picture a space where these local perspectives intertwine, offering a personalized narrative curated as per the users’ PIN code. We’re not just transforming how news is delivered, but look forward to elevating it into an art form. Join us on this journey, and together, let’s capture the authentic essence of your community as it unfolds in real time.”

     

  • Reveals 52% increase in the consumption of the highest bandwidth

    Act Fibernet State of Internet Report

    By Our Staff

    Act Fibernet, the fibre broadband internet service provider, has released its two-year State of the Internet report highlighting internet usage and data consumption trends in India between January December 2022 and November 2023.

    The findings from across 24 cities have further revealed a significant 52% increase in the consumption of the highest bandwidth. While average data used per month has increased by 25%, average downloads per month have increased by 27% in the last two years. With people returning to the office, the new prime time for internet consumption at home is 8 pm to 11 pm.

    Said Dr Sarath Kumar, CTO, Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd “I am thrilled to present Act Fibernet’s State of the Internet report, capturing the dynamic landscape of digital transformation in India from January 2022 to December 2023. As the workforce gradually returns to offices, the data consumption habits have shifted towards later evening , peaking from 8 pm to 11 pm. At ACT Fibernet, we are proud to be at the forefront of India’s digital evolution, empowering individuals and businesses with robust and high-speed connectivity. The insights from this report not only reflect the current trends but also guide us in shaping the future of internet services to meet the evolving needs of our users.”

     

  • Marks a strategic expansion in the global entertainment landscape

    Nodwin Gaming acquires Comic Con India

    By Our Staff

     

    Nodwin Gaming has acquired Comic Con India, a company known for hosting multiple pop cultural festivals targeting youth in India.

     

    Said Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India: “For more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to build a unique space in India for promoting and celebrating popular culture. And with that goal in our mind, I am very excited to join hands with Nodwin Gaming in taking the next step and building upon this goal together.”

     

    Added Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of Nodwin Gaming: “We are thrilled to welcome the managing team of Comic Con India as partners and shareholders in Nodwin Gaming. Their trust in our vision reinforces our commitment to expanding our entertainment offerings. Integration of Comic Con India will amplify and diversify the offering of Nodwin to all opportunities that target the youth in India. With the continued intersection of Gaming/ Pop Culture/ esports into one interactive entertainment sector, Nodwin will add a strong and robust IP that is scalable both in India and Internationally. Our quest for drawing millions of fans across the world will get another level up with Comicon.”

     

  • A family in Delhi streamed 5.4 hours every day in 2023

    Amazon Fire TV Streaming Trends Report

    By Our Staff

    Indians spent more hours streaming cricket vs entertainment content during domestic and international cricket tournaments in 2023 as per Amazon Fire TV Streaming Trends Report. Published by Amazon, the annual edition of the report captures aggregated insights on how Indian viewers consumed content on their Fire TV devices in 2023. Data reveals that Maharashtra, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu streamed more hours of cricket than other states on Fire TV.

    In 2023, Indian households spent around four hours per day streaming their favorite movies, shows, cricket matches, playing games, and listening to music, through Fire TV. A family in Delhi streamed 5.4 hours every day in 2023, the highest by any Indian household through Fire TV.

    Favorites on Fire TV: Sports, Kids’ content, news, and TV shows

    • Besides cricket, Fire TV users also enjoyed streaming F1 races. Viewership for F1 races witnessed a 50% increase from last year
    • Kids’ related apps saw approximately 31% increase in monthly streaming hours per customer. Some of the popular apps include YouTube Kids, ChuChu TV, HappyKids and others
    • Fire TV users also enjoyed playing music on their TV. Last year, one in every three users played music through Amazon Music, Spotify, and other music apps through Fire TV
    • Fire TV users made the most of free (ad-supported) streaming platforms. Apps such as YouTube, miniTV, MX Player, and others saw approximately 23% year-over-year increase in streaming hours

    Users enjoy the convenience of Alexa’s universal voice search on Fire TV

    • Approximately 80% of Fire TV users took Alexa’s help in searching and navigating through their favourite content across 12,000 apps, controlling their Alexa-enabled smart home appliances, setting reminders, etc.
    • Comedy, thriller, and drama were some of the most popular genres of content watched by Fire TV users. Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashma was the most voice-searched Indian title, followed by Big Boss, Anupama, Ramayan, and CID to name a few
    • Parents of young kids used Alexa to search and play popular kids’ shows namely Cocomelon, Peppa Pig, and Chhota Bheem through Fire TV

    Indians across 99% of the pin codes have purchased Fire TV devices

    • With thousands of positive reviews and a 4+ rating on Amazon.in, Fire TV Sticks have been bought by Indians across 99% of the pin codes of the country
    • From Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar, Kamrup in Assam, Papum Pare in Arunachal Pradesh, to Purnia in Bihar – families enjoyed the streaming experience offered by Fire TV
    • Fire TV users enjoyed streaming Prime Video movies and originals
    • Some of the most streamed movie on Prime Video were Pathan, Bawaal, Rocky aur Rani, Jailer, Drishyam 2, Pippa, and Mast Mein Rehne Ka
    • Popular Prime Video original series streamed by Fire TV users were Farzi, Dahaad, Jubilee, and Made In heaven, to name a few
  • To enhance standards in the gaming and technology sector

    E-Gaming Federation collaborates with NLU, Delhi

    The E-Gaming Federation (EGF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Law University (NLU), New Delhi. The MoU underscores the commitment of both organisations to strengthen India’s policy framework and contribute to the enhancement of standards in the gaming and technology sector through cutting-edge research and innovation.

    Speaking on the occasion Prof (Dr) GS Bajpai, NLU said: “EGF’s concerted efforts to encourage the online gaming sector are noteworthy and inspiring. We are enthusiastic about this knowledge development journey with EGF and believe that our collaborative effort will provide informed insights to promote legal awareness and achieve political, social, and economic justice. We look forward to the opportunities for capacity-building and collaborative learning that this partnership will bring.”

    Expressing delight over the MoU, Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF added: “EGF is developing a community in pursuit of education, research, and scholarship in the field of online gaming in India. By fostering an environment of collaboration and shared learning, we aim to recognise the importance of advocating for progressive policies that aid innovation, ensure consumer protection, and promote responsible gaming. We are excited to join hands with National Law University and think that this alliance would be a significant step towards leveraging academic expertise for the benefit of the industry stakeholders and wider community.”

  • To "elevate" India's gaming content landscape

    8Bit Creatives partners with Rooter

    8Bit Creatives, the gaming influencer talent management agency, has partnered with Rooter, a gaming and esports content platform. The objective: to “bolster the nation’s Gaming Creator Economy”.

    This collaboration will see 8Bit Creatives’ notable gaming influencers, PC gamers, and GTA roleplay creators, such as Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOp, Parv Singh aka Regaltos, Raj Varma aka Snax, Salman Ahmad aka 8Bit Mamba, Mithul Nayak aka 8Bit Binks stream and curate content on the Rooter platform.

    Said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Founder & CEO, 8Bit Creatives: “Our collaboration with Rooter will act as a catalyst for the sustained growth of India’s gaming creator economy. We are excited to bring our gaming influencers and creators to a platform that shares our vision for excellence in gaming content as well as the prosperity of the community. Together, we aim to create an immersive and unparalleled gaming experience for millions of fans across the nation.”

    Underlining the shared focus behind the partnership, Dipesh Agarwal, Co-Founder and COO, Rooter added: “8Bit Creatives shares our strong drive to unlock massive growth opportunities for the Indian Gaming ecosystem and we are excited to collaborate with a partner like them. We’ve been facilitating multiple monetization opportunities for creators through partnerships with ~100 brands, fan donations, and more. With this collaboration, we will be working closely with the 8Bit Creatives team to elevate value creation for the creator community. We also aim to develop innovative marketing playbooks and solutions at the intersection of gaming, content, pop culture, and social media, which will establish new operating benchmarks for the ecosystem.”

  • With four new International Telecom Operators

    Shemaroo Entertainment expands DCB Services

    Shemaroo Entertainment is expanding in the global telco, ISP (Internet Service Provider), and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) landscape by collaborating with four international telecom operators to extend its OTT platform, ShemarooMe. In this strategic move, it has effected partnerships with Zain, STC, and Mobily in Saudi Arabia, along with Vodafone in Qatar, facilitated by DCB (Direct Carrier Billing) partners, 3A net and one97 communications.

    Said Saurabh Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer – Digital Business at Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd: “Shemaroo Entertainment takes immense pride in advancing our content’s global reach. Our venture into new territories through partnerships with fourinternational telecom operators is a noteworthy step in this endeavour. This strategic move not only broadens our reach but marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring diverse and quality entertainment to audiences worldwide. We anticipate further collaborations as we persist in our global expansion journey.”

  • To 'elevate' brand, engagement and consumer connect

    Akasa Air teams up with Content Lab

    Digital marketing agency and production house The Content Lab has signed a partnership with  Akasa Air. This collaboration aims to “enrich” Akasa Air’s brand presence and “amplify” its marketing endeavours on the digital front.

    Said Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Experience Officer of Akasa Air: “I am super-excited to partner with The Content Lab as we strengthen our brand and enhance the digital footprint. As we leverage digital technology, our collaboration will help us deliver innovative, quality and engaging content thus positioning Akasa among  the most loved brands globally.”

    Added Vaibhav Mehta, CEO of The Content Lab: “We are privileged to collaborate with Akasa Air, a brand synonymous with warm, reliable and efficient service. Our team is eager to harness our expertise to enhance Akasa’s marketing efforts and support their continued growth. We look forward to infusing fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation into the brand, fostering an authentic connection with their consumers.”

  • To unite gamers and industry leaders

    India Gaming Show 2024 to he held in Pune

    The 6th edition of the India Gaming Show 2024, jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) supported by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Invest India, MeitY Startup Hub and Media Entertainment Skill Council is all set to take centrestage from March 14 to 16, 2024, at the Messe Global Laxmi Lawns in Pune.

    The India Gaming Show 2024’s main attractions are the gaming exhibits by JetSynthesys, Krafton India, Samsung, Philips, Western Digital, OnePlus, and Sony PlayStation to name a few. Leading gaming firms will have a wide variety of booths at the event, showing the newest gaming accessories, software, and hardware.

    Said Rajan Navani, President, Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS): “The India Gaming Show 2024 is not just a showcase of the latest gaming trends but a celebration of the thriving gaming community in India. We are thrilled to bring together gaming enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators to Pune for an unforgettable experience.”

  • In conjunction with Amazon Ads

    Publicis unveils first edition of Digital Growth Marketing Playbook

    Publicis Commerce India announced the launch of the inaugural Digital Growth Marketing Playbook. The playbook – in conjunction with Amazon Ads – outlines how “advertisers can adopt a growth marketing approach, shifting from focus on isolated campaigns to looking at how marketing can contribute towards delivering overall business growth”.

    Said Anshul Garg, Managing Partner & Head at Publicis Commerce India: “Growth marketing goes beyond a mere collection of brand awareness and general promotional marketing strategies. It signifies a shift in the approach to marketing and placing comprehensive growth at its core. Armed with Digital Growth Marketing Playbook’s strategic insights, marketers can fully harness the potential of growth marketing to elevate their businesses to unprecedented levels of success.”

    Added Kapil Sharma, Director, Growth Customer Sales at Amazon Ads: “Growth marketing can help brands across all categories and price points to unlock additional opportunities with strategic and long-term focus towards marketing. The inaugural edition of the Digital Growth Marketing Playbook offers directional steps to brands in the marketing world, providing insights, strategies and practical guidance to help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals.”

  • Our goal was to keep things simple, effective, and highly innovative, said Ankur Rander, Bombay Design Centre CEO

    Bombay DC crafts BITS Design School website

    Leading educational institution BITS Pilani announced the launch of BITS Design School with much fanfare recently. The design school’s website interface has been spearheaded by Mumbai-based Bombay Design Centre.

    Said Nandita Abraham, CEO and Interim Dean at BITS Design School:  “The objective was to create a benchmark site that met the high expectations of the design community, including design students. And we are delighted that the team at Bombay DC has delivered. Since the website was launched, we have received a lot of compliments from the industry. I am very happy that we decided to go with Bombay Design Centre.”

    Added Ankur Rander, CEO, Bombay Design Centre: “BITS Pilani is one of India’s leading higher education institutes, an intellectual powerhouse. Designing high-quality design and communication for their design school website brings us immense joy, and we are delighted to make our mark. The website design needs to have exceptional design aesthetics, as it serves as the focal point for building a vibrant design community. Our goal was to keep things simple, effective, and highly innovative.”

  • It’s expanding to new markets and testing smarter recommendations

    Instagram’s Creator Marketplace to make things easier

    Instagram has announced that it is taking its creator marketplace to eight new markets. Over the next few weeks, we plan to invite creators and brands based in India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan and Brazil to join Instagram’s creator marketplace. Chinese export brands will also be invited to connect with onboarded creators in countries outside of China.

    Notes a communique: “Brands have told us it can be challenging to source creators for partnership ads. That’s why we’re excited to begin testing in the US our brand new, machine learning-based recommendations that use Instagram data to help brands more easily discover creators who are the best fit for their campaigns. Eligible brands can access these recommendations over the coming months on Instagram’s creator marketplace in Meta Business Suite,” adding: “Instagram’s creator marketplace can help brands easily find relevant creators for any kind of collaboration, but one of the most powerful is partnership ads. Partnership ads (formerly known as branded content ads) allow advertisers to amplify content with a creator or other partner’s handle to scale their collaborations. Partnership ads are the most performant and transparent way for advertisers and creators to run ads together and Instagram’s creator marketplace helps brands discover creators to partner with.”