Tag: technology

  • ‘Made in India’ Samsung Galaxy S24 series goes on sale

    'Made In India' Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Goes On Sale

    ‘Made In India’ Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Goes On SaleIANS

    Samsung on Wednesday announced that its recently launched flagship smartphone series — Galaxy S24, is now available to buy in India.

    The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 series comes with Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features.

    AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi.

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet and Titanium Black colours starts from Rs 129,999 (12GB+256GB variant).

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra reviewIBT/Sami Khan

    The 12GB+512GB variant costs Rs 139,999 and the 12GB+1TB model of Galaxy S24 Ultra will come at Rs 159,999.

    The Galaxy S24+ in Cobalt Violet and Onyx Black colours starts from Rs 99,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant and the 12GB+512GB variant will come for Rs 109,999.

    The Galaxy S24 in Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet and Onyx Black colours begins from Rs 79,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant and Rs 89,999 for the 8GB+512GB model.

    Samsung's Galaxy S24 series have the coolest features you didn't know you needed

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series have the coolest features you didn’t know you neededSamsung

    Consumers purchasing Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits worth Rs 12,000, while those buying Galaxy S24 can avail benefits worth Rs 10,000, the company said.

    The Galaxy S24 series is being manufactured at Samsung’s Noida factory in India.

    Samsung has secured record pre-bookings for the Galaxy S24 series, making it the most successful S series ever in India.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India’s smartphone market remains flat in 2023, Apple surpasses 10-mn unit mark

    Apple Unveils IPhone 15 Series, New Watches; Available In India From Sep 22

    Apple IPhone 15 SeriesIANS

    India’s smartphone shipments remained flat in 2023 at 152 million units, as Apple surpassed the 10-million-unit mark in shipments and capturing the top position in revenue in a calendar year for the first time, a new report showed on Wednesday.

    With an 18 per cent share, Samsung took the top spot last year, for the first time since 2017, according to Counterpoint Research.

    Vivo took the second spot in 2023 with a 17 per cent share and led the affordable premium segment (Rs 30,000-Rs 45,000) with a 33 per cent share.

    Xiaomi slipped to the third spot in 2023 but led in Q4 2023 with an 18.3 per cent share.

    OnePlus grew by 33 per cent YoY in 2023 driven by offline expansion and better product portfolio in the affordable premium segment (Rs 30,000-Rs 45,000).

    5G smartphone shipment share crossed 52 per cent in India, growing 66 per cent YoY.

    Apple

    AppleIANS

    “Driven by the premium segment’s growth and 5G upgrades, India’s smartphone market grew 25 per cent YoY in Q4 2023 after declining for a year,” said senior research analyst Shilpi Jain.

    The last quarter (October-December) exited the market with healthy inventory levels compared to last year, setting the right tone for growth for next year.

    “We believe the market will grow by 5 per cent YoY next year driven by premiumization, diffusion of 5G in lower price bands and better macroeconomic conditions,” Jain added.

    The premium segment witnessed a 64 per cent YoY growth, driven by easy financing schemes, which resulted in consumers jumping price bands to purchase higher-priced smartphones.

    “For Apple, the opening of own retail stores and increasing focus on LFR (large-format retail) through regular promotions contributed to increased offline shipments. Besides, higher trade-in values presented an appealing proposition for consumers to transition to iOS,” said research analyst Shubham Singh.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Mayukh Maitra: Shaping the Future of Data Science and Ad Tech with a Passion for Transformative Insights

    Mayukh Maitra

    Mayukh Maitra

    As Bill Bernbach famously said, “The most powerful element in advertising is the truth,” and in this intricate tapestry of information, data science is the lantern that unveils the truth, illuminating patterns and insights hidden in the folds of complexity and transforming raw data into the revelations that shape our understanding of the world. Amidst all these complex obstacles, data scientists shine as trailblazers, illuminating new paths for companies to take in their pursuit of the illusive objective of increasing ROI from media investments. When it comes to advertising technology, data science is about more than just statistical modeling.
    The skill of turning raw data into attractive consumer behavior, preferences, and goals tales. The engine drives hyper-targeted marketing, ensuring ads resonate with people. Data scientists can transform raw data into usable insights that boost sales and build enduring brand identities. Data science in the advertising industry is about more than just numbers. Strategic decision-making is influenced, and as a result, innovation and personalized advertising are driven.

    Meet Mayukh Maitra, one such exciting talent in the ever-evolving world of data science and engineering. With an enterprise experience spanning over six years, Mayukh stands at the forefront of innovation, continuously pushing the boundaries of what data can achieve. Currently, in his role as a Data Scientist at Walmart, Mayukh is harnessing the power of data in the dynamic realm of Ad tech, crafting precision-targeted strategies that redefine the retail giant’s advertising landscape. But his expertise extends beyond the realm of Ad Tech – Mayukh has also delved deep into the intricate domains of healthcare and health economics outcomes research, proving that his data-driven insights can impact lives and industries across the board.

    Mayukh began his journey in the field of data science in the realm of healthcare consulting and health economics outcomes research. It was here, in the intricate labyrinth of healthcare data, that he refined his analytical prowess and developed an acute understanding of the transformative power of data-driven insights.

    During his journey as a Senior Associate in Data Science at Axtria, he dedicated his efforts to constructing innovative cost-effectiveness models using Markov chains. These models were designed to forecast the progression of diseases and evaluate the impact on patient outcomes. Thanks to these cutting-edge models, healthcare organizations have been empowered to assess the cost-effectiveness of different interventions, leading to remarkable enhancements in the long-term well-being of patients.

    When asked about one thing that he finds challenging and exciting at the same time while working amongst such intricate problems, Mayukh had to say that

    “The sheer volume of data that must be analyzed and conveyed in a meaningful manner is one of the difficulties I face. With so much data to analyze, it can be challenging to know where to begin and how to identify the most crucial and actionable insights.”

    He further added that

    “Visualizations that are both precise and understandable to non-technical people can be challenging to create. It might be difficult to know what kind of visualization will work best to tell your story because different kinds of data need different kinds of visualizations.”

    Working in a top Fortune 500 organization and navigating the complexities is both an immense challenge and an opportunity to influence the global business landscape. Mayukh has worked on novel Ad Mix Modeling approaches that have resulted in major improvements to various advertising strategies. His contributions to such complex solutions have helped to increase the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and improve the organization’s bottom line. Such contributions are beyond just technical expertise, as having a unique, efficient solution for an important business problem can fuel growth for the company as well as be a significant enhancement to the field of data science.

    One key aspect Mayukh focuses on while building these statistical models is model explainability. Data-driven decisions are particularly important for advertisers because they rely on these models to allocate budgets effectively across various channels. Mayukh says that

    “Explainability sheds light on the inner workings of these models, revealing the “why” behind their suggestions. This not only improves credibility but also gives advertisers more leeway to fine-tune their ad strategies with confidence.”

    It’s useful for figuring out what’s working and what could be hurting campaigns. Knowing how machine learning models function in ad mix modeling is like having a map in an unfamiliar place; it will help advertisers get where they need to go quickly and easily, maximizing the return on their ad spend.

    Mayukh’s expertise and contributions in the domain of data science spread across various industries have helped him earn a place in the professional and research communities. He was invited to be an expert mentor at Criya, where he provides mentoring sessions to early career data scientists He has also been invited to be a part of the jury of prestigious industry awards such as the Globee 18th Annual 2023 Information Technology World Awards and the Globee 8th Annual 2023 American Best in Business Awards. He has numerous peer-reviewed articles published in the field of data science, such as his articles on Explainability of Machine Learning Models published on DZone, Assumptions in Regression: Why, What, and How, A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words: The Importance of Data Visualization on Dataversity, Unlocking the Power of Numbers in Health Economics and Outcomes Research, The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Seasonality and Boosting Business Results on KDNuggets to name a few. He has also been invited as an expert to multiple peer-review conferences such as IEEE CAI, ICANN, etc. as a reviewer, as well as for being on the technical program committee.

    Mayukh Maitra’s experience as a data scientist and analytics expert in the rapidly evolving world of AdTech demonstrates the power of data science to increase advertising returns and even impact the future of the advertising business. His commitment, skill, and love for data science are an inspiration to his colleagues and the world at large, demonstrating his hunger for knowledge and will to make a difference. Mayukh has helped businesses and communities thrive in the digital age by developing cutting-edge methods, powerful models, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

  • From Bengaluru to Siliguri, Flipkart rolls out same-day delivery to 20 cities [details]

    Flipkart Logo

    The logo of India’s largest online marketplace FlipkartReuters

    In a significant development that promises to redefine the e-commerce landscape in India, Flipkart, a leading e-commerce giant, has announced its plan to roll out same-day delivery of products across multiple categories in both metro and non-metro cities. This initiative, set to commence in February, will be scaled over the subsequent months to cater to a broader customer base across the country.

    The same-day delivery service will be available in cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Patna, Raipur, Siliguri, and Vijayawada. Customers placing their orders by 1 p.m. can expect their products to be delivered before midnight.

    Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President, Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & ReCommerce Business, Flipkart Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. “Considering that customers not just from metro cities but non-metros cities love to shop on Flipkart, we are working to provide the same day delivery to 20 cities, reinforcing our commitment to staying at the forefront of customer satisfaction,” he said.

    Strategic move in e-commerce

    The company plans to expand this service to include more cities and categories, including large appliances, in the coming months. This initiative will enable customers to receive orders for products such as mobile phones, fashion, beauty products, lifestyle, books, home appliances, and electronics on the same day.

    Flipkart has made significant investments in infrastructure and transportation to scale same-day delivery across numerous cities, with a growing network of fulfillment centers. This move is reminiscent of Amazon’s early efforts to crack the e-commerce riddle in India, where strategic partnerships with stakeholders like the Indian Railways and courier companies played a crucial role in expanding the company’s network.

    The same-day delivery initiative by Flipkart is a significant step in the Indian e-commerce industry, reminiscent of the early days of Amazon’s entry into the Indian market. Amazon’s strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Indian Railways and courier companies, played a crucial role in expanding the company’s network and establishing its dominance in the Indian e-commerce space.

    Future of e-commerce in India

    The introduction of same-day delivery by Flipkart is expected to significantly enhance customer experience and satisfaction, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive e-commerce market. This move is in line with the global trend of e-commerce companies striving to provide faster and more efficient delivery services to meet the growing customer demand for instant gratification.

    online shopping

    online shopping

    The e-commerce industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and digital literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this growth, with more consumers turning to online shopping due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

    In this context, Flipkart’s same-day delivery initiative is a timely and strategic move that is likely to give it a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. It also underscores the importance of logistics and supply chain management in the e-commerce industry, which is crucial for ensuring timely delivery and enhancing customer satisfaction.

    In conclusion, Flipkart’s same-day delivery initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian e-commerce industry. It reflects the growing importance of logistics and supply chain management in e-commerce and highlights the need for companies to continuously innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of customers. As the e-commerce industry continues to grow and evolve, companies that can provide faster and more efficient delivery services are likely to emerge as the winners in this competitive market. This initiative by Flipkart is a testament to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the market.

    Highlights

    1. Flipkart plans to roll out same-day delivery across multiple categories in both metro and non-metro cities.
    2. The service will be available in 20 cities, with orders placed by 1 p.m. delivered before midnight.
    3. Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President of Flipkart, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
    4. The company plans to expand this service to include more cities and categories, including large appliances, in the coming months.
    5. This initiative by Flipkart marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian e-commerce industry.

  • iOS 18 is going to be huge: touted Apple’s ‘biggest’ update in iPhone history

    iOS 18 is going to be huge: touted Apple's 'biggest' update in iPhone history

    iOS 18 is going to be huge: touted Apple’s ‘biggest’ update in iPhone historyIANS

    Apple is poised to make history with its upcoming iOS 18 software update. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this update could be “the biggest” in the company’s history. “I’m told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates  – if not the biggest – in the company’s history,” Gurman wrote in his latest Power On newsletter. This announcement has set the stage for an exciting Apple Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

    While the specifics of the update remain under wraps, Gurman has previously reported that Apple plans to release a newer version of Siri that uses a new AI system. This aligns with the company’s recent focus on enhancing Siri and the Messages app’s ability to auto-complete sentences and field questions. One of the most anticipated features of the iOS 18 update is the possible inclusion of Rich Communication Services (RCS) capability. Apple announced in November last year that it expects to add RCS support to iOS in 2024.

    In response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into force in March, Apple has also announced changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union. These changes include new controls and disclosures and expanded protections to reduce privacy and security risks. The most significant change is the allowance of third-party app stores on iOS for the first time, arriving with iOS 17.4 in March.

    iPhone 15 Plus review

    iPhone 15 PlusIBT

    Apple’s WWDC: A Platform for Major Announcements

    Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has always been a platform for major announcements. This year, CEO Tim Cook unveiled the company’s new Vision Pro headset, described as “revolutionary”. This device combines virtual reality and augmented reality, marking a “new era of spatial computing”. The Vision Pro comes with its own software, VisionOS, which supports many of the same apps found on iPhones.

    The WWDC 2023 also saw the release of iOS 17 for iPhones, WatchOS 10 for Apple Watch, and a new iPadOS. The event also hinted at a major overhaul of its Mac lineup, with rumors suggesting the launch of a new Mac Studio powered by the yet-to-be-launched M2 Ultra chip. Apple’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous efforts to enhance user experience. The iOS 16.5 update, for instance, added a dedicated Sports tab in Apple News, providing sports fans with quick access to stories, scores, standings, and other information.

    In conclusion, Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 software update is set to be a game-changer in the tech industry. With its focus on enhancing user experience and commitment to innovation, Apple continues to redefine the boundaries of technology. As we look forward to the WWDC event in June, one thing is certain: the world of tech is about to witness another revolutionary leap. 

  • Advent of AI poses big challenge to govts around the world: Indian Finance Ministry

    Artificial intelligence (AI)

    Artificial intelligence (AI)IAN

    The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses a big challenge to governments around the world due to the questions it poses to employment, particularly in services sectors, the Finance Ministry said in a review of the Indian economy issued just days before the tabling of the Interim Budget on February 1.

    This was recently highlighted in an IMF paper estimating that 40 per cent of global employment is exposed to AI, with the benefits of complementarity operating beside the risks of displacement.

    Further, the paper suggests that developing economies must invest in infrastructure and a digitally-skilled labour force to fully harness AI‘s potential.

    The reform-led growth that was witnessed by the Indian economy over the course of the last nine years is not without its accompanying share of challenges.

    In an increasingly integrated global economy, India’s growth outlook is not only a function of its domestic performance but also a reflection of the spillover effects of global developments.

    Increased geoeconomic fragmentation and the slowdown of hyper-globalisation are likely to result in further friend-shoring and onshoring, which are already having repercussions on global trade and, subsequently, on global growth.

    Railways To Use AI For Crowd Control In Magh Mela

    Railways To Use AI For Crowd Control In Magh MelaIANS

    The trade-off between energy security and economic growth versus energy transition is a multifaceted issue having various dimensions: geopolitical, technological, fiscal, economic and social, and the policy actions being pursued by individual countries impacting other economies.

    Domestically, ensuring the availability of a talented and appropriately skilled workforce to the industry, age-appropriate learning outcomes in schools at all levels and a healthy and fit population are important policy priorities in the coming years.

    A healthy, educated and skilled population augments the economically productive workforce, the Finance Ministry said.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Samsung to make Galaxy AI available on 100 mn devices this year: TM Roh

    Samsung to make Galaxy AI available on 100 mn devices this year: TM Roh

    Samsung to make Galaxy AI available on 100 mn devices this year: TM RohIANS

    Samsung will make its ‘Galaxy AI’ available across 100 million mobile devices this year, as customers are eager to try new technologies and AI is no exception, TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, said here on Monday.

    Samsung’s flagship smartphones have done really well in India, where the premium segment is witnessing double-digit growth. Galaxy S23 series sales in India were 1.4 times high compared to Galaxy S22 series, thanks to S23’s powerful performance and epic camera capabilities.

    Samsung’s newly-launched flagship Galaxy S24 series saw a record 250,000 pre-bookings in India in just three days, making it the most successful Galaxy S series ever.

    “We believe mobiles will become the primary access point for AI technology as people already use their smartphones for just about everything, making it the perfect vessel. With Galaxy S24 series, we strongly believe in revolutionizing user experience through Galaxy AI,” Roh told reporters here.

    Samsung is the leader in the mobile industry with over 1 billion Galaxy customers.

    “By using customer insights accumulated over decades, years of innovation to optimize AI for mobiles and open collaboration with industry leaders, we have come up with Galaxy AI, which will become the ‘global standard for mobile AI,” he added.

    Galaxy S24 series takes a hybrid approach to optimizing the AI user experience whether on-device or in the cloud, to provide a meaningful user experience with tangible benefits.

    “With Galaxy S24, our first AI phone, we have opened a new era of AI phones and Galaxy AI enables users to break communication barriers, enhance their productivity, and unleash creativity like never before,” Roh noted.

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review

    Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraIBT/Sami Khan

    Samsung’s R&D centres in Noida and Bengaluru have played a major role in the development of Galaxy AI.

    “From commercialization of language AI and optimization of AI for mobile to framework development, both Noida and Bengaluru centres made a great contributions. This helped us provide customers with practical and useful AI experiences,” said Roh.

    Including Galaxy S24 series, “we’re committed to bringing Galaxy AI to approximately 100 million Galaxy mobile devices worldwide this year”.

    “This will also amplify mobile AI usage and bring benefits to Galaxy customers that cannot be found anywhere else,” he added.

    Starting from the S24 series, the company will provide seven-generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring customers enjoy a long-lasting and secure premium experience.

    Galaxy S24 series also continues our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. For the first time, Galaxy S24 features components made with recycled cobalt and rare earth elements,” said the top company executive.

    Galaxy S24 series enhances and redefines the phone’s most fundamental role: communication with Live Translate, two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls within the native app. Galaxy S24 series also marks a milestone in the history of search as the first phone to debut intuitive, gesture-driven Circle to Search with Google.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Mohan Valluri, Revolutionizing Aerosol Food Technology Through Innovation and Automation

    Mohan Valluri

    Mohan Valluri

    The global food industry stands at the forefront of culinary innovation, transforming the way we perceive and interact with food products. And like most of other industries automation has become a linchpin for efficiency, precision, and safety within the food manufacturing process. The integration of automated systems has led to substantial cost savings and a substantial increase in operational efficiency. This technological evolution has not only streamlined production but has also played a crucial role in ensuring product quality and safety standards, especially in the context of global health challenges In the field of Aerosol Food Technology, Mohan Valluri has emerged as a notable figure for his innovative approach and leadership. Beginning as a Manufacturing Engineer at Alamance Foods Inc a leading manufacturer of frozen and refrigerated products.

    Mohan’s professional journey reflects his outstanding abilities in advancing technology and fostering organizational development. As a visionary leader in Aerosol Food Technology, Mohan has made significant contributions to the growth, sustainability, and technological advancement. His expertise is evident in his role in leading innovative projects, expanding product lines, and leading strategic initiatives, solidifying his standing as a distinguished professional in the industry.

    Mohan oversees a comprehensive portfolio, managing critical functions including sales, business development, research and development, and marketing at Alamance Foods, bringing a strategic and well-rounded approach to the company’s operational landscape. His impact on the organization’s growth was evident from the beginning when he concentrated on end-of-line automation in his first year, applying cutting-edge Industry 4.0 principles which led to cost saving of staggering $8 million in cost savings and a $15 million increase in top-line revenue.

    Progressing to a leadership role, Mohan spearheaded a comprehensive automation and Industry 4.0 strategy in the second year. The outcomes were consistent top-line growth of $10-15 million annually and the addition of 50-75 manufacturing jobs each year.

    During the challenging times of the pandemic, Mohan played a vital role in ensuring safe plant operations. Thanks to implemented automation and digitization, Alamance Foods Inc. achieved a remarkable 25% year-over-year growth, outperforming competitors in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.

    Mohan’s influence extends to founding the Research and Development (R&D) department, leading to significant product innovations. Alamance Foods introduced products like Cold Foam, Whipt Vegan Whipped Cream, and Ranch & Blue Cheese Whipped Dips under his leadership, contributing to the company’s innovation pipeline. Elevated to lead the Sales organization in 2021, Mohan achieved an astounding annual growth of $100 million, expanding the workforce from 350 to 850 employees.

    Holder of multiple pending patents in Aerosol Technologies, Mohan also serves as a member of McDonald’s Supplier Sustainability Advisory Council, influencing policy changes for a carbon-neutral future. He extended local products from North Carolina and, the USA to global markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, boosting manufacturing jobs in the USA.

    Breaking ground for a new Aerosol manufacturing facility in North Carolina, Mohan’s initiative is set to add 150 new jobs, earning him the prestigious Economic Impact Award. He is also active in professional associations like the Southern Aerosol Technical Association and National Aerosol Association USA, and has been recognized as a leading voice in Aerosol technology in the USA. He has been featured in various media outlets, including World Aerosols Magazine, Fairview Post, Yahoo Finance, VegNews, Alamance News, and Food Business News, for introducing innovative products and contributions to the industry.

    Mohan Valluri’s successful career is result of his solid educational background and passion for creating next-generation alternatives that meet the evolving needs and preferences all stakeholders. He has a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University, where he gained valuable experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant. Moving into the professional world, he started as an Associate Software Engineer at Accenture. Mohan is not just well-educated but also brings a wealth of expertise in innovation, solutions engineering, and robotics. Moreover, he holds Six Sigma certification, showcasing his commitment to excellence in various areas.

    Mohan Valluri’s journey from a Manufacturing Engineer to a visionary leader in Aerosol Food Technology is marked by innovation, strategic leadership, and a commitment to excellence. His impact on Alamance Foods Inc. and the industry at large establishes him as a trailblazer shaping the future of food products and manufacturing.

  • iPhones grow 28% to grab over 6% market share in India in 2023

    Apple Unveils IPhone 15 Series,

    Apple IPhone 15 Series,IANS

    Riding on the premiumisation trend in India, iPhones grew 28 per cent from 4 per cent market share in 2022 to more than 6 per cent in 2023, according to latest industry data.

    In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, iPhone shipments saw seven per cent growth in India, according to CMR data accessed by IANS.

    Apple’s Q4 2023 performance in India paints a picture of strong measured progress in a crucial growth market.

    “The 28 per cent YoY growth in iPhone shipments in 2023 underlines Apple’s long-term growth potential in India. I believe India will power Apple’s growth over the next decade, just like China did in the previous one,” said Prabhu Ram, Head, Industry Intelligence Group at CMR.

    The iPhone 15 grew on the back of the rising premiumization trend in India.

    “The continued significance of older generation iPhones, including the iPhone 14 and 13 series underscores the effectiveness of Apple’s affordability initiatives and targeted retail strategies in appealing to a broader spectrum of Indian consumers, contributing to the overall growth,” Ram told IANS.

    iPhone 15 Plus review

    iPhone 15 PlusIBT

    As India doubles down on local manufacturing, Apple assembled iPhones worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore in India in 2023, according to industry data.

    However, according to industry sources, the actual market value of the iPhones manufactured/assembled in India could be much higher, depending on taxes in other countries.

    Apple’s manufacturing in India is part of the goals set under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

    Led by Apple, India is set to cross $15 billion (over Rs 1,24,000 crore) in mobile phone exports in the current fiscal year (FY24), posting a growth of 35 per cent over the last fiscal year.

    Apple’s revenue in India hit nearly Rs 50,000 crore in FY23, with sales increasing 48 per cent to Rs 49,321 crore and net profit rising 76 per cent to Rs 2,229 crore — fastest growth of net profit for Apple in India in the last five years.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • The AI Edge in Sales: How This New Sales Enablement Software Startup is Changing the Game

    AI Edge

    AI Edge

    Traditionally, companies relied heavily on dialogues with salespeople when considering purchases. However, with the rise of internet platforms and online resources, buyers prefer to research and learn about the product and solution offerings before talking to vendors. This is especially the case for the software buying journey. As such, it has become increasingly important to deliver the correct information and content to software buyers so they can make educated decisions.

    In light of this, how can sales teams stand out in this increasingly competitive environment? This is where a modern sales content platform, Ratio, comes into play. Built by two New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business alumni, Finance and Computing & Data Science graduate Joanne Wang and Computer Science graduate Thomas Guo, Ratio is a modern sales content platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to create and personalize sales collateral.

    The platform includes various features that enable sales teams to tailor materials based on individual prospects, make targeted sales strategies, store and navigate presentations seamlessly, and access buyer engagement analytics. Its goal is to present buyers with compelling content that speaks to their needs and aspirations, leading to increased sales closing rates and higher success.

    Sales Content Creation Reimagined

    Ratio enables sales teams to have greater control over their sales pitches, from preparation to presentation. At the heart of this empowerment is the capability to craft impactful sales collateral customized to each customer’s unique business context and needs. Whether assembling a new presentation from scratch or developing a custom brochure, Ratio facilitates the creation process, ensuring all new materials align with the company’s branding and messaging standards.

    Assuming the sellers prefer to use previous sales materials but must enhance the content to make it more bespoke, Ratio offers the flexibility to repurpose and adapt these materials for new client engagements. This may involve refining a presentation for a different sector or updating a case study to resonate more with a new audience.

    As the founder of Ratio, Wang envisions the company going beyond a surface-level content generation platform. Harnessing the sophistication of AI, the platform meticulously tailors sales materials to align with the distinct characteristics of each customer. This includes considerations like the client’s industry sector, organizational size, specific requirements, or previous interactions with the company. Ratio acts as an intelligent editor, adeptly modifying sales documents to underscore the most pertinent products, features, and advantages, thereby striking an impact on each client.

    For entrepreneurs Wang and Guo, this level of customization moves from generalized sales pitches to targeted client-centric presentations, significantly enhancing buyer engagement and satisfaction and increasing deal win rates for sales teams.

    Maintaining Consistency in the Process

    Ratio’s features extend the capabilities of sales teams far beyond a one-time sales pitch with its seamless sales content storage, organization, and management system. As Wang explains, Ratio ensures that sales materials are always available and consistency in messaging and branding is maintained across all materials the sales team uses by providing a centralized digital warehouse for all sales-related content — from presentations and PDFs to videos and case studies. At the same time, with its granular search indexing, the sales team can quickly filter content by file type, whether PDFs, Word documents, videos, etc., and how and when they are used.

    Wang understands that with various sales content created throughout pitching and follow-ups, the sales team should also be able to organize them in a structured and intuitive manner, categorizing materials by product lines, industries, client types, or any other relevant criteria. This led her and Guo to design and build Ratio as a structured ‘library’ where sales can quickly navigate and find exactly what they need for each unique sales scenario, whether for a first-time pitch, a follow-up meeting, or a specific product demonstration.

    This efficiency is crucial in maintaining momentum in ongoing sales conversations, nurturing long-term client relationships, and saving time. It allows the sales team to focus on their core tasks without being hindered by the menial tasks of searching for the correct information.

    Delivering Personalized Sales Content to Every Buyer

    Previously, in her role as a tech startup investor, Wang has developed extensive experience in analyzing, investing in, and supporting tech businesses. Among her achievements are her experience working on a $100M growth equity funding round for a tech startup and her role in conducting due diligence on multiple sectors within the AI and software space. Through this, she has developed a deep appreciation for tech platforms leveraging AI to unlock more significant customer potential.

    As the co-founder and CEO of Ratio, Wang plays a pivotal role in the business. This includes leading go-to-market strategies for the company, establishing various distribution channels, and building partnership programs that help accelerate market penetration of the platform. Together with her co-founder, Guo, she defines the company’s strategic direction and product roadmap. Throughout the process of building Ratio, Wang and Guo continuously innovated the company’s product offerings, designed the most customer-centric features, and aligned the platform with the strategic goal of delivering both high-quality content and superior efficiency.

    With Ratio, the two co-founders aim to enrich and accelerate the software sales process so buyers and vendors can benefit from improved information and increased efficiency. They were selected for the renowned Y Combinator Startup Accelerator Program, are participating in the Winter 2024 batch, and continue to make strides in the sales enablement software landscape. Ultimately, the co-founders believe that Ratio will empower sales teams by allowing them to deliver the right content to the right person at the right time, all within a few clicks.