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Tag: technology

  • The Notch Revolution: How a Display Cutout Transformed the Smartphone Industry and Beyond

    the notch

    The quest for the perfect mobile experience often boils down to a simple equation: maximize screen real estate while maintaining a comfortable phone size. In 2016, this equation seemed impossible to solve. Bezels – those thick black borders surrounding phone displays housed essential components like the front-facing camera and sensors. Eliminating them meant cramming everything into a smaller space, a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

    Then came the rise of edge-to-edge displays with display cutouts popularly known as “the notch”. This innovative technology offered the promise of larger screens on phones that remained comfortably sized. However, a new obstacle emerged: app compatibility. Applications, designed for a world of rectangular screens, weren’t equipped to handle the notch. Important UI elements, like buttons and menus, risked being obscured by the cutout needed for the front camera and sensors, causing frustration and hindering usability. This compatibility issue even affected Android certifications, preventing phones with edge-to-edge displays from entering the market.

    Enter Essential Products, a company founded by the creator of Android. Unfazed by the challenges, Essential became the first company to launch a phone with a notch – the Essential Phone (PH-1), even before Apple’s iPhone X. Simply launching a phone with a notch wasn’t enough. Essential understood the app compatibility issue was the key hurdle. Here’s where the company’s true innovation shined.

    The Android Framework team at Essential, led by Software Director Adithya Gajulapally and Framework Lead Uchinta Boddapati, embarked on a meticulous mission. They analyzed hundreds of popular apps to understand how the notch could disrupt user experience. By identifying recurring patterns in app design, they were able to develop a solution within the Android framework itself. This ingenious approach meant apps wouldn’t require individual redesigns to function properly on phones with notches. Essentially, the framework team created a system that intelligently adjusted apps to work seamlessly with the new display format.

    Essential didn’t stop there. Recognizing the potential of the technology, they collaborated with the top 100 apps in the Play Store. This collaboration ensured these crucial apps not only functioned flawlessly on phones with notches but also took advantage of the extra screen space for enhanced functionality.

    This resulted in Essential’s implementation in Android versions 7 to 8.1 receiving widespread industry praise. The impact was monumental. Google, recognizing the ingenuity of Essential’s approach, adopted most of their framework solutions into Android versions from 9 onwards. Furthermore, Essential’s patents became the gold standard, cited by phone and tablet manufacturers across the industry.

    The impact of Essential’s innovation extends far beyond Android smartphones. Apple’s recent patent for the “Dynamic Island” feature on Macbooks even cites Essential’s work, demonstrating the groundbreaking nature of the notch concept.

    Thanks to Essential’s pioneering efforts, billions of users worldwide can now enjoy the benefits of smaller phones with larger, immersive displays. This innovation stands as a testament to the power of tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges and the lasting impact a single company can have on the entire mobile landscape. The notch, once a controversial design element, has become a cornerstone of modern phone design, allowing users to truly experience the joy of a phone that fits comfortably in their hand while delivering a maximized viewing experience.

  • Defence Ministry Signs Over Rs. 200 Crore Deal with Big Bang Boom for Indigenous Anti-Drone Technology

    Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (BBBS), India’s fastest-growing protection sector start-up, has secured a big order value greater than Rs. 200 Crores from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, for its cutting-edge anti-drone know-how earlier this month. This historic contract, the biggest underneath the Indian Defence Exhibition (IDEX) initiative, and one of many largest signed by the Indian MOD with an Indian startup is a testomony to BBBS’s unmatched experience in deeptech merchandise particularly, anti-drone options.

    L-R – Dr. Shivaraman Ramaswamy, Director and CTO, BBBS within the presence of Shri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

    The Indian Defence Ministry’s resolution to position this order underscores the nation’s dedication to strengthening its safety infrastructure and investing in Atmanirbhar cutting-edge protection know-how. Specifically, the anti-drone know-how offers a game-changing response to the mounting risk posed by drones and unmanned plane methods (UAS).

    “The focus of the iDEX programme is to foster an ecosystem of innovation and know-how improvement in protection. It is our fixed endeavour to interact with younger innovators who can convey technologically superior options for modernizing Indian Military. This order contracted to Big Bang Boom Solutions is a step in that course and we’re joyful have younger firms assist the nations development,” Shri Vivek Virmani, COO, iDex MOD.

    “We are immensely pleased with this milestone in our start-up journey and are grateful for the belief positioned in our capabilities by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army by means of the aegis of iDex the MOD’s flagship innovation platform,” stated Dr. R. Shivaraman, Director and CTO, BBBS. “Big Bang Boom is dedicated to serving our nation with the very best degree of innovation and know-how. The BBBS Anti-Drone Defense System is a testomony to our dedication to innovation, and we’re proud to contribute to the safety and self-reliance of our armed forces,” he additional added.

    BBBS’s Vajra Sentinel System is a state-of-the-art answer designed to detect, observe, and neutralize drones at extraordinary ranges. It makes use of passive RF sensor know-how to eradicate false alarms, and its sensor and jammer mixture meets stringent mil customary specs for sturdiness and reliability. It has plenty of state-of-the-art tech enhancements resembling AESA radar and kamikaze drones which may be upgraded on demand by the person.

    The system’s core sensor constructed round synthetic intelligence (AI) and laptop imaginative and prescient algorithms allows exact identification, classification and site identification of drones. Additionally, its refined resolution making matrix allows autonomous decision-making for countermeasures resembling sign jamming and different counter measures.

    “This is a big milestone for us. Our product pipeline and blend for the subsequent 10 years are strong and the staff is rearing to go. We have already began discussions on repeat orders and export alternatives. We will now reopen our doorways to monetary gamers who can come alongside on this subsequent leg of nation constructing,” stated, Praveen Dwarakanath, CEO, BBBS.

    BBBS will begin execution of the order instantly, with a give attention to well timed supply, complete coaching, and unwavering assist to the Indian Air Force and Indian Army to make sure seamless integration of this very important know-how into their protection methods.

    The contract was handed over to Dr. R. Shivaraman, Director and CTO, BBBS within the presence of Shri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, Shri Ajay Bhatt, (Minister of State for Defence), Shri Giridhar Aramane (Defence Secretary), Shri Anurag Bajpai (Additional Secretary of Defence Production and CEO DIO), Chief of the Defence Staff (General Anil Chauhan) and the Chief of the Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari) by AVM George Thomas, ACAS Plans, on behalf of Indian Airforce and Col. Mahesh, Col CD – 7, on behalf of Indian Army.

    About Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS)

    Big Bang Boom Solutions is Indias quickest rising Startup within the Defence Sector. Founded by Dr.Shiva and Praveen Dwarakanath, serial entrepreneurs in Deep Tech, it goals to co-create mental property that can be utilized by Indian Armed forces to counter uneven rising threats. The founders have nice community within the analysis area which helps them develop know-how sooner and extra frugally that by anybody else.

    In addition to anti drone system, the corporate has received 5 iDex challenges introduced by the Ministry of Defence and has efficiently accomplished 3 of them in various subject of drones, superior chemical engineering, laptop imaginative and prescient and cyber safety.

    The firm has additionally managed to setup channels for gross sales to pleasant overseas nations by means of the Export Promotion Cell, DDP, MOD and is anticipating their first export order in subsequent few months.

  • Lalith K. Maddali: A Trailblazing Mind in AI & Distributed Computing

    Lalith K. Maddali

    Some people are particularly notable in the field of technology because they are innovators who are changing industries and expanding the scope of what is feasible. Lalith K. Maddali is a renowned engineering leader with extensive software development experience. He is one of these visionaries spearheading revolutionary change in AI and distributed computing. Throughout his career, Lalith has made ground-breaking contributions to well-known businesses, and his knowledge and vision are pushing the industry in new directions.

    Professional Experience and Educational Background

    Lalith’s path to becoming a major player in AI and distributed computing was developed with a strong basis in education. With a Bachelor of Technology in Information and Communication Technology from Dhirubhai Ambani University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of San Francisco, Lalith developed his knowledge of emerging technologies and complex systems.

    Over the course of his remarkable career, Lalith has proven to be a very gifted leader and innovator. Lalith oversaw a diversified team of more than 45 experts as the Senior Engineering Manager at BrightEdge in Foster City, California, where he headed numerous verticals. Setting strategic roadmaps, establishing goals and key results (OKRs), and leading projects to improve platform services for web crawling and huge data collection exceeding 100 petabytes were among his duties. Significant cost and quality savings were achieved under Lalith’s imaginative leadership, most notably a 60% decrease in web crawler expenses and an increase in data quality from 78% to 92%.

    Lalith was Head of Engineering at Acoustic for the DemandTec Lifecycle Price and Promotion product line. Overseeing an international group of more than forty experts, he was a key figure in bringing the company back to life after its split from IBM to Acoustic. Projects like the data center move to Azure and the creation of dynamic pricing solutions utilizing cutting-edge technologies like Apache Spark for machine learning models were made possible in large part by his technical know-how and strategic vision.

    Encouraging Growth and Impact via Innovation

    In addition to his professional responsibilities, Lalith has a strong passion for promoting innovation and good change. His commitment to pushing technological boundaries and developing solutions that have a real, tangible impact is demonstrated by his engagement in innovative projects like high-performance server agents and native automation frameworks for iOS applications.

    Lalith’s leadership also includes coaching and directing the upcoming generation of talent, which is an example of his dedication to developing future industry leaders. His expertise in performance management, mentoring, and onboarding has been crucial in helping his teams develop a culture of excellence and ongoing learning.

    Future Perspective: Developing AI & Distributed Computing

    Lalith sees a time when AI and distributed computing technologies will be crucial in resolving some of the most important issues that businesses and society are currently experiencing. With an unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and quality, Lalith is well-positioned to spearhead the push towards this exciting new frontier, bringing about revolutionary change and paving the way for a better future for everybody.

    To sum up, Lalith K. Maddali’s remarkable life story and accomplishments represent the revolutionary power of distributed computing and artificial intelligence in transforming sectors and advancing society. His technical proficiency, innovative spirit, and visionary leadership make him a major player in the rapidly changing technology sector, encouraging others to follow in his footsteps and seize the opportunities presented by the digital era.

  • Saudi Arabia’s $40B investment in AI technology

    Artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the speak of the city, and Saudi Arabia will not be one to be left behind. According to a current report by The New York Times, the oil-rich nation is planning to create an enormous $40B fund to take a position in AI technology, doubtlessly making it the world’s largest investor in the sphere.

    To make this bold plan a actuality, representatives of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have been in talks with:

    • Andreessen Horowitz, one in all Silicon Valley’s largest personal enterprise capital corporations

    • Other distinguished financiers

    These discussions have taken place over the past month, with the goal of building a partnership that would revolutionize the AI trade.

    “Saudi Arabia’s transfer to take a position closely in AI is a transparent indication of the technology’s potential to rework varied sectors,” mentioned Tobi Opeyemi Amure, an analyst at Trading.Biz. “This partnership may very well be a game-changer for the trade.”

    Currently, corporations like Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and OpenAI are main the cost in the AI race, which requires substantial capital investment. For occasion, OpenAI has acquired billions in funding from Microsoft (MSFT), and its CEO, Sam Altman, is looking for to boost an astonishing $5T to $7T for a venture geared toward boosting the world’s chip-making capability and AI capabilities.

    Saudi Arabia’s AI investment can be sourced from its sovereign wealth fund, which boasts property price greater than $900B. This strategic transfer might place the nation as a significant participant in the AI market and entice high expertise and corporations to the area.

    Discussions between Andreessen Horowitz and Yasir al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund, have even touched upon the potential for the agency establishing an workplace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.

    Saudi Arabia’s $40B investment in AI technology is a daring transfer that would have far-reaching implications for the trade. As the AI arms race heats up, this partnership with Silicon Valley giants might propel Saudi Arabia to the forefront of the sphere, attracting high expertise and fostering innovation.


    Neel Achary

  • Fostering economic growth in India: Flipkart empowering MSMEs

    Fostering economic growth in India: Flipkart empowering MSMEs

    Fostering economic growth in India: Flipkart empowering MSMEsIBT

    The MSME sector is a vital pillar of the Indian economy, making a significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic development. With an impressive count of 6.33 crore MSMEs operating in the country, this sector is crucial for generating employment, fostering GDP growth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and driving innovation, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.

    Remarkably, MSMEs account for half of India’s exports and contribute 30% to its GDP. To further boost this growth, the Ministry of MSME aims to increase their contribution to 50% by 2025. As a result, the Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives, including credit schemes, digitalization, and e-commerce promotion, to support and facilitate the growth of MSMEs and enhance the ease of doing business.

    Flipkart’s role in enabling MSMEs: Overcoming challenges

    Like any other sector, MSMEs come with their own set of challenges. However, these obstacles can be overcome with the right support and technology adoption.

    At Flipkart, one of the key challenges we are addressing is the need for upskilling and reskilling MSMEs. We conduct nationwide workshops and training programs, helping sellers digitize their businesses and make informed decisions based on our platform’s insights.” Rakesh Krishnan, VP and Head of Marketplace at Flipkart, shared.

    Another hindrance to the growth of MSMEs is limited access to necessary infrastructure, such as logistics and warehousing networks. Flipkart’s robust supply chain solutions facilitate the seamless movement of shipments, connecting sellers, customers, and stakeholders from tier-3 cities and beyond.

    Furthermore, MSMEs must embrace digital-first habits and preferences, especially in tier-2+ markets. Flipkart’s initiatives, including having vernacular content on both the website and the app, as well as the training it imparts, help empower sellers, enabling them to tap into these markets effectively.

    Inspiring entrepreneurial stories

    The impact of Flipkart’s expertise is evident through transformative experiences shared by entrepreneurs like Charu Gupta, founder of Saikara Collections.

    Charu attests to Flipkart’s role in transcending the limitations of a small business, helping her achieve an unprecedented growth of 400%. Charu, an aspiring and independent woman, has always believed that there is no shortcut to hard work. As the founder of Saikara Collections, which deals in party supplies and home decor, the initial few years were tough to develop her business. She was working for different jobs before becoming a small business owner, but the initial step towards starting something of her own was owing to some crisis in the family.

    Charu Gupta success story with Flipkart

    Charu Gupta success story with FlipkartFlipkart Stories

    However, with an initial capital of INR 5,000 in hand, she founded her own company. Guided by Flipkart’s insight and support from her loved ones, she transformed her small business into a thriving enterprise, and within six months, her business earned a gold tag on Flipkart.

    These success stories of millions of sellers and entrepreneurs on our platform serve as a testament to the effectiveness and transformative potential of Flipkart’s initiatives in propelling the achievements of ambitious entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender, geographical location, or socio-economic background.

    Embracing adaptability and unlocking growth potential

    While MSMEs have immense potential, their adaptability remains crucial in overcoming future challenges. Flipkart is pivotal in assisting MSMEs by providing them with technology, accessible credit, and customer feedback.

    Rakesh, a key member of Flipkart since 2013, further added that, “Our platform enables MSMEs to establish a robust digital presence, enhancing their market reach, improving operational efficiency, and reducing barriers to entry. Through initiatives like the Flipkart Samarth Program, we integrate artisans, weavers, women-led businesses, and persons with disabilities into the e-commerce ecosystem, creating a sustainable and inclusive platform for underserved communities.”

    Flipkart Samarth program was launched in 2019 to democratize e-commerce through technology and build a sustainable and inclusive platform for underserved domestic communities, with a special focus on women-led enterprises and people with disabilities. Under this program, Flipkart has been working with several government entities, livelihood missions and NGO partners to onboard rural entrepreneurs from across the country. Today, Flipkart Samarth impacts over a million livelihoods by helping them adapt and leverage digital commerce.

    The platform’s collaboration with banking partners also ensures financial assistance, enhancing affordability, convenience, and inclusivity for MSMEs.

    Empowering MSMEs for India’s prosperous future

    As India’s economy aims to reach new heights, MSMEs will play a pivotal role in driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities. In this regard, Flipkart has pledged to make comprehensive efforts and is dedicated to supporting the success of MSMEs to address India’s evolving business landscape.

    Upcoming Big Billion Days

    Flipkart Big Billion Days 2023

    Flipkart Big Billion Days

    Flipkart’s The Big Billion Days (TBBD) is a marquee event for India and one that sellers look forward to as it brings huge financial benefit to them and creates new growth baselines for them.

    Events like TBBD allow Flipkart to scale up its impact on the ecosystem in tremendous ways; by helping seller partners create lakhs of jobs, boost Indian manufacturing, and grow local businesses. TBBD is about scale, innovating for India and creating/leaving an impact on the ecosystem. It isn’t just a sale but an annual, collaborative event that expands the Indian e-commerce market.

    It allows millions of new customers to experience the benefits of e-commerce, many of them for the first time. These include offering them consistency in catalogues, prices and growth opportunities across the country. TBBD is an opportunity for thousands of sellers across India to access a customer base of millions, which allows them to grow their own businesses at a rapid pace.

  • 5G data consumption 4 times faster than 4G in India: Report

    telecom operators internet shutdown

    File photo.Reuters

    5G users in India are using approximately 3.6 times as much mobile data traffic compared to 4G since its launch in October 2022, a report showed on Wednesday. The average monthly data traffic per user also surged by 24 per cent year-on-year in 2023, reaching 24.1 gigabytes per user per month.

    The 5G device ecosystem in India is rapidly evolving, with approximately 17 per cent of active 4G devices, totalling 134 million out of 796 million, now being 5G capable.

    “5G data consumption has been four times faster than 4G in India”, according to the ‘Nokia Mobile Broadband Index’ report. In 2023, users consumed 17.4 exabytes per month with a CAGR of 26 per cent over the past five years.

    The launch of 5G has emerged as a significant catalyst for the growth in data usage, contributing to 15 per cent of all data traffic in 2023, the findings showed.

    PLI Scheme To Help India Create A Complete Mobile Supply Chain In Next 3 Years: Samsung

    PLI Scheme To Help India Create A Complete Mobile Supply Chain In Next 3 Years: SamsungIANS

    “What is immediately obvious is the incredible proliferation of 5G technology across India and the increasing demand for super-fast 5G data speeds,” said Tarun Chhabra, Head of Mobile Networks Business at Nokia (India).

    5G traffic has shown substantial growth across all telecom circles, with metro circles leading the charge and reaching a 20 per cent share in the overall mobile data traffic.

    Enhanced 5G availability and performance, coupled with the availability of a wide range of affordable devices, as well as the introduction of new data-intensive apps and services, will accelerate future 5G growth, the report showed.

    The rise of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will also serve as a key enabler for new services in both the home and business with FWA users expected to consume an estimated 2.5 times more data than average 5G users, the report noted.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Dyson’s new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!

    Dyson's new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!

    Dyson’s new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!Dyson

    Dyson’s latest hair dryer, the Supersonic Nural, is the newest addition to the company’s unique and premium range of hair care products. Once again, the company leverages unique technology to take care of your hair and scalp like never before. It may just be time to manually manage the distance between your hair dryer and the hair as the scalp would feel the heat too much.

    Dyson’s Supersonic Nural comes packed with smart sensor technology, which goes beyond basic styling to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

    What’s really standing out is the coolest feature called Scalp Protect mode, which automatically adjusts the heat to keep your scalp safe from damage. Plus, it learns your styling preferences over time, making it super easy to use. This is achieved through Attachment Learning functionality, which adapts to users’ individual styling preferences. This integration of artificial intelligence not enhances user convenience but also showcases Dyson’s foresight in anticipating and addressing the evolving needs of discerning consumers.

    Dyson's new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!

    Dyson’s new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!Dyson

    Adding another smart element, there’s a feature that automatically pauses for easier routines. The hair dryer has a motion-sensing accelerometer, which automatically deactivates the heater, decreasing airflow and noise in between styling passes.

    “If you’re able to limit heat damage, you can get a healthier scalp; and healthier hair. Our new Supersonic Nural has a time of flight sensor that recognises your head and reduces the heat as it gets close to your hair, preventing heat damage to both your scalp and your hair. Innovation only comes from investing in research and development. Our obsession to truly understand the root of the problem continues, as we build up some of the most sophisticated hair laboratories in the world,” James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer, said in a statement.

    Dyson's new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!

    Dyson’s new hair dryer will make heads turn, quite literally!Dyson

    Another interesting aspect of the device is the LED light colour that automatically changes from cool blue or yellow (low heat), to orange (medium heat) and red (high heat), depending on the distance the machine is from the head in Scalp Protect mode.

    Packing all that tech and innovation doesn’t take away attention from design. Dyson’s products manage to pull off unique designs, and the Supersonic Nural is no different. It looks sleek too, with cool color options like Ceramic Patina and Topaz. It has a transparent end cap that shows the inner workings of the device, proudly demonstrating Dyson’s engineering prowess.

    The hair dryer comes with five attachments:

    1. Gentle air attachment to evenly disperse airflow

    2. Styling concentrator for precision styling

    3. Smoothing nozzle to reduce frizz

    4. Diffuser for defined curls and waves

    5. Flyaway smoother to hide flyaways using Coanda effect

    Dyson Supersonic Nural was launched in Seoul during its global launch event on March 18. It is expected to arrive in India later this year, but the exact date hasn’t been confirmed. The pricing of the Dyson’s new hair dryer remains a mystery, too. What are your thoughts?

  • Cloud Adoption in Government and Business Services Post-Pandemic, What Has Changed? Insights from Business Consultant Arijeet Roy

    Arijeet Roy

    When lockdowns and social distancing measures disrupted traditional business models, companies were compelled to pivot to digital solutions to maintain operations and client services. Government agencies also faced the unprecedented demand for government services, from health and welfare to education and employment, which tested the capacity and resilience of public sector infrastructure. This has led them to recognize the need to embrace better technologies to serve the public effectively.

    According to Arijeet Roy, a seasoned partner in the Financial Services Technology Advisory Practice at Guidehouse, government agencies accelerated their digital transformation efforts in response to this demand by adopting cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and online platforms to streamline service delivery and enhance accessibility for citizens.

    In his 15 years of experience delivering digital transformation projects to global organizations and government agencies, Roy has seen the continuous shift towards digital governance and how it has improved the responsiveness and efficiency of public services. This was further revealed during the critical times of the pandemic when more transparent and citizen-centric government operations were needed and expected.

    A Glimpse at Agencies’ Use of Cloud Technologies

    Cloud solutions have long been a strategic focus within government agencies, underscored by the US Federal Government’s ‘Cloud First’ policy, initiated over a decade ago. Roy explains that the initiative aimed to accelerate the pace at which the government could innovate and serve the public by mandating that agencies take full advantage of cloud computing benefits. This maximizes capacity utilization, improves IT flexibility and responsiveness, and minimizes government operations costs.

    Roy’s more than a decade of extensive experience in spearheading digital transformation projects for global organizations and government agencies testifies to the rich history of cloud solutions in the public sector. He has assisted financial institutions and government bodies in overhauling their business and operating models from legacy systems to welcoming digitalization through technology.

    He led the formation of cloud-based solutions, including a $30 million digital transformation program for a financial regulator with a cross-functional team of over 75 staff, which has been a significant project in modernizing public sector services. His collaborative efforts with systems integrators and third-party products have yielded high-impact solutions, propelling them to become “digital-first” entities.

    Agencies and Cloud Adoption Post-Pandemic

    Despite the foundational role of cloud technologies in government agencies, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges that tested the resilience and adaptability of these digital infrastructures. Roy asserts during this time, they enhanced and expanded cloud solutions to meet the surge in demand for digital services.

    He adds, “The pandemic accelerated the need for robust, scalable, and secure cloud platforms that support remote workforces, deliver critical public services online, and manage increased loads on digital infrastructure.”

    In response, agencies rapidly adopted advanced cloud technologies, including hybrid cloud environments and AI-powered analytics, to ensure continuity and efficiency in their operations. New cloud technologies such as serverless computing and containerization saw increased adoption post-pandemic, enabling government agencies to deploy and scale applications more efficiently and cost-effectively.

    Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies also allowed agencies to distribute workloads across multiple cloud environments, improving flexibility, security, compliance, and performance requirements.

    Agencies welcome artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services to analyze vast amounts of data for insights, automate decision-making processes, and improve citizen’s access to primary services. The pandemic has also compelled workers to move from typical face-to-face meeting scenarios to digital collaboration platforms. These digital tools have enabled remote work and maintained team productivity, with features supporting video conferencing, document sharing, and secure communication.

    Roy mentions, “The pandemic has been a turning point for all departments – policy-making, tech professionals, and even government workers to materialize and work on the limitless possibilities cloud technologies can offer. As we had first glanced at its efficiency, I believe there will be more to discover moving forward.”

    What Challenge Remains

    As much as many agencies aim their operation to go fully digital, Roy acknowledges that some significant challenges still prevent them from making the first step. Due to their diverse needs at various levels of governance—local, state, and national, with each level having its scope of operations, regulatory environments, and service delivery requirements, a one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation is impractical.

    However, continuous learning and adaptation are necessary as the pandemic has ushered in a new normal and set new operational standards. In this context, the role of experts like Roy becomes invaluable.

    Roy’s mission has been to empower businesses and agencies to take confident steps toward digitalization. His insights, as shared in the article “Are Mainframes Holding Your Agency Back? Keys to Successful Modernization,” serve as a prime example of how tailored digital transformation strategies can help agencies overcome fears and embrace the efficiencies of cloud technologies.

    Opportunities and challenges mark the journey towards widespread cloud adoption in government services post-pandemic. This transformation promises more agile, efficient, and accessible government operations but also demands a careful consideration of security and data sovereignty. For Roy, balancing innovation with caution is the path forward and will shape the future of government and business services in the digital age.

  • Flipkart joins forces with IIT-Delhi to revolutionise online shopping experience [see how]

    Flipkart Joins Forces with IIT-Delhi to Revolutionize E-Commerce Personalization

    Flipkart Joins Forces with IIT-Delhi to Revolutionize E-Commerce PersonalizationIANS

    In a significant development that underscores the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in the e-commerce sector, Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce giant, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), the industry interface organization of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D). This collaboration aims to conduct joint research on personas to enhance personalized recommendations for customers, a critical aspect of customer experience management in the digital retail landscape.

    The partnership between Flipkart and IIT-Delhi is a testament to the evolving role of technology in the e-commerce sector. It highlights the integration of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning in creating more personalized and data-driven shopping experiences for customers. This shift from traditional retail to a more customer-centric approach is reflective of the industry’s trajectory, where technology is leveraged to understand consumer behavior, optimize product recommendations, and streamline logistics.

    As part of the MoU, Flipkart will provide FITT with research grants and market insights. These resources will be used to generate granular, data-backed segments of users linked to different e-commerce categories based on shopping behavior, demographics, and other factors.

    Data-driven solutions for enhanced customer experience

    The goal of this collaboration is to create a data-driven solution that will enable a better understanding of customer requirements and preferences, thereby enhancing the shopping experience by offering persona-based recommendations. The research aims to address the limitations of existing persona creation tools by learning from a user activity graph that encompasses information about the various personas associated with each user.

    This approach is expected to have a far-reaching impact by advancing machine learning models capable of handling large-scale real-world data effectively. The collaboration also includes organizing seminars, offering conference travel grants, and engaging in company-sponsored research on topics of mutual interest.

    Flipkart To Roll Out Same Day Delivery In 20 Cities From February

    Flipkart, IIT Delhi to research on personas to boost personalised suggestionsIANS

    The partnership between Flipkart and IIT-Delhi is not just about enhancing personalized recommendations. It also aims to address broader challenges in the retail industry by potentially developing innovative solutions for data-driven decision-making, improving supply chain management, and optimizing logistics.

    Aligning with Flipkart’s growth strategy

    By leveraging the expertise of IIT-Delhi, Flipkart could gain insights into advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, which could lead to better inventory management, more efficient delivery processes, and a more seamless customer journey. This collaboration aligns with Flipkart’s overall strategy for growth and customer satisfaction.

    By investing in research and technology that can help them better understand their customers, predict their needs, and offer tailored recommendations, Flipkart is improving the shopping experience and contributing to customer loyalty and retention. Additionally, the collaboration may lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings, ultimately supporting Flipkart’s expansion plans and competitive position in the e-commerce market.

    Historically, collaborations between industry and academia have proven to be beneficial in driving innovation and growth. For instance, in the early 2000s, IBM’s collaboration with Stanford University led to the development of the Google search engine. Similarly, the partnership between Microsoft and the University of Cambridge resulted in the creation of the .NET programming framework.

    The collaboration between Flipkart and IIT-Delhi is a significant step towards leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance customer experience in the e-commerce sector. It underscores the importance of continuous innovation and research in staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape. As more companies recognize the value of data-driven decision-making and personalized customer experiences, collaborations like these are likely to become increasingly common, shaping the future of the e-commerce industry.

    Highlights

    1. Flipkart has partnered with IIT-Delhi to enhance personalized recommendations for customers using data-driven decision-making.

    2. The collaboration will use advanced data analytics, AI, and machine learning to create a more customer-centric approach in e-commerce.

    3. Flipkart will provide FITT with research grants and market insights to generate data-backed user segments.

    4. The partnership aims to improve customer understanding, optimize logistics, and support Flipkart’s growth strategy.

  • Google responds to CCI probe order into Google Play Store

    Google

    The Google logo is displayed outside the company offices in New York, US, June 4, 2019.Reuters

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday ordered a probe into the Google Play Store, accusing the tech giant of exploiting its dominant position in the country’s online market.

    The CCI said that Google allegedly imposed unfair terms and discriminatory practices in its Play Store, violating several provisions of the country’s anti-trust law. The CCI’s investigative arm has been given 60 days to complete the probe.

    The company said that it was examining the CCI’s order initiating the investigation.

    “The CCI has previously examined our service fee in detail between 2020 and 2022 and found no illegality. However, we take our commitment to comply with local laws and regulations in India seriously and will cooperate with the process in every way,” a Google spokesperson told IANS.

    Google

    File photo: The Competition Commission of India started looking into the complaint, which is similar to one Google faced in Europe that resulted in a 4.34 bn euro ($5 bn) fine on the firm.Reuters

    The CCI decision came after multiple Indian app developers and industry groups filed a complaint against Google and raised concerns about the unfair practices of the company after several of their apps were removed. The apps were later restored.

    The CCI probe is initiated over a new complaint by People Interactive and some other developers specifically about the service fee levied on Google Play.

    Prateek Jain, Associate Director, of The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), said in a statement that they applaud the commitment of regulatory authorities such as the CCI to promote a level playing field for businesses.

    Google Play

    “We believe that fair implementation and monitoring of billing systems will result in competitive pricing of services in the market, boost innovation, safeguard consumer choice, and benefit the interests of all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem,” Jain added.

    (With inputs from IANS)