dittoTV brings television to your phone!

Watch TV on the go with the new dittoTV at INR 20!

June 27, 2016 (Mumbai): Zee Digital Convergence Ltd., one of India’s leading entertainment companies that has been at the forefront of innovation in entertainment, today unveiled the new avatar of dittoTV - the ideal live TV platform that allows viewers to watch their favourite programmes at the time of broadcast. Positioned as ‘DeshKaTV’, it promises to make live television available to every Indian via any device – phones, tablet or PC, at just INR 20 per month.

The app in its new avatar allows users to access 100+ Hindi, English and regional-language channels, encompassing general entertainment, sports, movies, news and lifestyle. It is designed to deliver an affordable and effortless viewing experience and flexible viewing options.

To ensure that live television is within the reach of every Indian, it has joined forces with one of India’s leading telecom players Idea Cellular, to offer its users of 3G and 4G internet packs a free monthly subscription with every recharge. It provides its customers the ease of streaming their favourite TV channels live on their smartphones. Under a promotional offer, all Idea customers in Idea 3G and 4G provider circles will be able to subscribe to dittoTV free of cost, along with select monthly data packs, until 31st July’16.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Punit Goenka, MD & CEO Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said, “The digital entertainment space in India is at the cusp of a strong phase of growth. With the new avatar of dittoTV, we aim to change the media landscape to suit the evolving media consumption preferences of consumers. It will allow consumers to control where they watch television in a way that has not been possible before. We are proud to present a platform that will help scale up this transformation by making it affordable for people across a wide economic spectrum.”

dittoTV is available on Android, Windows and iOS platforms, making cumbersome annual contracts, satellite dishes and set-top boxes obsolete. The subscription charges for three months, six months and one year are INR 50, INR 90 and INR 170 respectively.

In keeping with its brand promise of being the nation’s television, dittoTV has partnered with Siti Cable and ITZ Cash to supply easy-to-use recharge cards at retail channels. The app’s adaptive technology will adjust to a range of internet speeds in order to deliver a seamless viewing experience, making it the first TV entertainment app that is customized for both urban and rural markets.

Ms. Archana Anand, Business Head, dittoTV added, “With the new avatar of dittoTV, we expect to change the way India watches TV forever. At the incredible price of Rs 20, we see dittoTV becoming a necessity and everyone’s default app on their mobile phones, allowing them to access TV just about anytime and anywhere. We see it serving as your first and only screen, as your second screen or just your TV on the go! Keeping the Indian landscape in the mind, dittoTV is also available in Hindi and will soon be available in all regional languages.”

With dittoTV, a phone or second screen is all that is needed to ensure that no one ever misses their favourite programme again.

Mr. Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular said, “With the rapid rollout of our 4G services and increased penetration of smartphones in the country, we are providing our customers an array of rich digital services to meet their demand for engaging apps and content. TV being synonymous with entertainment for the Indian masses, we are excited to partner with dittoTV to enable consumers to carry their entertainment wherever they go.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Luxury Brand Artize Launches-Tiaara

 

 L – R : MR. PARICHAY MEHRA, Design Head and Director – Technical, Jaquar Group…………….Mr. Michael Foley , Managing Director , Foley Designs and Mr. Sandeep Shukla, Head Marcom, Jaquar Group

Designed by the renowned international designer Michael Foley

Date 24^th June 2016, Mumbai: Jaquar Group, the leader in bath fittings category is transforming the industry and rapidly growing with its multi-diversified bathing solutions has launched an exquisite designer product Tiaara under its luxury brand Artize. The concept ofTiaara is designed by renowned international designer Michael Foley.

The Tiaara in design resembles an extravagance jewelry with echoing ovals of abstracting functionality into a simple act of elevating conventional usage into an exquisite experience.Tiaara faucet brings a sense of mystique in bath fittings, and is built to provide uniqueness in usage experience. The concentric rings originate from the play of echoing ripples of water and the inner ring swings to give access to running water that seamlessly stops without spilling a drop when swung back. From the quality of materials used, to the manufacturing process, or the attention to detail, Tiaara unearth all the expectations that one can have from a basin mixer. The solid brass body ensures the durability of the faucet; the ceramic cartridge creates a smooth, regulated water flow.

Tiaara is launched under brand Artize luxury bath brand from Jaquar Group that believes in providing bathing solutions that are absolutely magnificent, where design, technology and talent combine to deliver a masterpiece. The products under brand Artize are crafted for luxurious bath spaces and they are amongst the world’s most exclusive collection in bath interiors.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajesh Mehra, Promoter and Director, Jaquar Group said, “Through our luxury brand Artize, we craft products that are unique, exquisite and can redefine the concept of luxury bath spaces across globe. Tiaara is aimed to provide the luxury segment, a synthesis of true craftsmanship - a combination of expert detailing, form and technology which an evolved customer is always looking for and those who aspires their bath spaces to bath suits – connoisseurs of fine living style.”

Mr. Michael Foley, Foley Designs commented that “Artize Tiaara has been created for patrons who seek to engage with water in exciting new ways that can energize their lives even in bathroom. This unique and novel product delivers flawless functionality with a unique sense of mystique that will stay with everyone who sees it or uses it. Artize Tiaara is also much more than a just a breathtaking form of a faucet”

Artize Tiaara has recently been launched and has brought about an elevation in the consumer perception of what an Indian brand 'Artize' is capable of. Artize competes with several European and Japanese premium brands and thus required a fundamental design difference to bring about impactful change. Tiaara has features like-

• Solid brass body for durability

• Ceramic cartridge for smooth, regulated water flow

• Plated with >13 microns of Nickel and >0.4 microns of Chrome, mirror polished

•Ultra smooth operation/movement

FREE STATE OF JONES In Cinemas July 1

Written and directed by four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross (THE HUNGER GAMES, SEABISCUIT, PLEASANTVILLE), and starring Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey. FREE STATE OF JONES is an epic action-drama set during the Civil War, and tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newton Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy.

TIMES NETWORK launched MOVIES NOW 2

LAUNCHES

A new age Hollywood channel catering to Young India

Mumbai, June 23, 2016: TIMES NETWORK, which caters to the nation’s crème de la crème of premium television audiences, today announced the launch of its latest English movie channel, MOVIES NOW 2 which will offer young movie buffs stylish, edgy, fast-paced, new-age, premium content in SD and HD. After being the owners of an array of category leading movie channels, such as MOVIES NOW, MOVIES NOW HD, Romedy NOW, Romedy NOW HD and MN+, this is the fourth English movie channel from TIMES NETWORK that will further strengthen the channel’s English offering.

MOVIES NOW 2 will have stylised content, right from a new identity and on-air look to an interesting library that includes some of the most high profile and appropriate titles across genres that are universally celebrated by youth. 

Commenting on the occasion, Vivek Srivastava, Senior Vice President & Head, English Entertainment Cluster, TIMES NETWORK said, “We are excited and pleased to launch MOVIES NOW 2. There was a niche that was available to us for MOVIES NOW 2 and capitalizing on the same, we created a platform that caters to ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’. The channel has been honed and shaped for the free-spirited, opinionated, rebellious and engaged youth looking for adventure, edgy and new-age stylised cinema. MOVIES NOW 2 is an all new Hollywood English Channel experience for young India which is Sexy, Stylish and Smart. The channel will be aired from June 24, 2016 and will  be available across leading cable & DTH platforms. We are confident that MOVIES NOW 2 will add immensely to viewer and advertiser numbers and pleasure.”

Mr. Srivastava further commented, “TIMES NETWORK is known for having a deep understanding of its audiences requirements and creating offerings that ensures a delightful viewer experience through each brand under its network umbrella. Consumer needs have been changing over the years and in the past 5 years the needs have undergone a change in massive ways. India is on a high aspirational curve, and TV audiences across markets are familiar with the best of international world-class entertainment. We believe that consumer segmentation and brand differentiation will lead the way in the years to come as we expect this segment to only swell and get more dominant. The success of MN+ and Romedy NOW are great testimonials of ever evolving consumer needs and MOVIES NOW 2 will be an exciting addition to the bouquet.

The channel will not only showcase great titles, but will also package them in interesting on-air properties like ‘Moviegasm’, ‘Swag Nights’, ‘BAE Love’, ‘2wisted’, ‘Thug Life’ among others showcasing a variety of young age Hollywood MOVIES like Hangover III, Kick Ass 2, Bangkok Dangerous, the Oceans series, R.I.P.D. and 21 to name a few that will offer viewers an out of this world experience. The channel will also premier a series of new age titles likeSin City 2, Hot Pursuit, 3 Days to Kill and Poltergeist to name a few.

With the launch of MOVIES NOW 2, TIMES NETWORK will offer viewers a complete and focused package of distinct channels like MOVIES NOW and  Romedy NOW (both in SD and HD),  MN+ and now MOVIES NOW 2 for the discerning English movie watching audiences.

HAIER EXPANDS MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN PUNE, PLANS TO INVEST RS. 490 CRORE

                        

                                                                                                

MUMBAI, JUNE 22, 2016: Haier, the global leader in Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics and  World’s Number 1 brand in Major Appliances for the 7^th Consecutive Year*, today announced the initiation of the expansion of their Manufacturing Facility in Pune, by hosting an official Ground Breaking Ceremony conducted in the factory premises in Ranjangaon, Pune. The new development aims to boost the employment opportunities at Haier by 167% by end of 2017. The event was addressed by Mr. Eric Braganza, President Haier Appliances India and Mr. Song Yujun, Managing Director, Haier Group. Also present at the event was Guest of honour, Mr. Zheng Xiyuan, the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai, India.

The event was conducted to initiate the expansion of Haier’s manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra after the company signed a MoU last year with Maharashtra Government to invest Rs. 490 crore in line with Central Government’s “Make in India” initiative. The investment is aimed to scale up the production capacity of existing categories in the factory like refrigerators, while also introducing manufacturing operations for new product lines like, washing machines, air conditioners, LED panels, and water heaters.

With this development, the company also plans to generate employment opportunities in the state and increase the existing workforce from 1100 to 2900. Further, the company will also set up a Research & Development center in the city to enhance the innovation and production excellence in the country articulating the brand’s philosophy of ‘inspired living’. The expansion will likewise serve as an open door for the vendors and OEMs, bringing about an expanded business with increased local production and lesser imports of products.

The company also won the prestigious ‘Make in India Awards for Excellence’ under the consumer durable category in the year 2015 for contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Eric Braganza, President Haier India said, “It is a moment of great pride for the company to officially expand the 1^st manufacturing facility of the brand in the country by hosting the Groundbreaking Ceremony. Focusing on the company’s commitment to begin manufacturing in the country in alignment with the Make in India stance, products across all categories will be manufactured at the factory. Further, continuing the legacy of making innovative and revolutionary products and in accordance with the expansion of the manufacturing facility, Haier aims to gradually reduce the dependence on imports and increase exports from the country to aggressively contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. ” 

Mr. Song Yujun, MD, Haier India being optimistic on the growth in India says, “Globally, Haier Group has been a pioneer in home solutions and appliances technology and has enjoyed a great market share across the world. The growth demonstrated by Haier India in the recent few years has been phenomenal and we’re really optimistic about the company’s position in the country. The expansion of Haier’s manufacturing facility in Pune further strengthens the group’s focus on India.”

Music Today launches the first ever Video Blog of Musicians!

Music is undoubtedly the essence of life. It is a way of expressing our emotions and feelings when we fall short of words. A musician spends years to master the art of music. His experience and view towards life is surely something to learn from. Music Today, The India Today Group brings an opportunity for all to listen to these musicians LIVE as they share their experiences, views and knowledge on a unique platform.

On the occasion of "World Music Day", Music Today announces the launch of India's first ever Video Blog of musicians on the online platform of AajTak and India Today. The Blog will have musicians from all genres of music come together at the same platform and share their views on a common topic.

The first blog live is on “Riyaz” by 7 musicians -  Shaan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Jasbir Jassi, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Dr. L Subramaniam, Pete Lockett and Mame Khan. These musicians are seen giving tips on practicing music. Followed by this, there would be a series of Blogs every week on different topics covering music, movies, books, social initiatives, politics... and so on by select musicians from the above list. This would be one unique platform where musicians will not talk just music but much more.

Link to the Blog -

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/world-music-day-music-today-shaan-tips-on-riyaz/1/696129.html

http://aajtak.intoday.in/story/world-music-day-know-the-importance-of-riyaz-1-874839.html

VOOT UPS THE BOLLYWOOD QUOTIENT; TO BE THE EXCLUSIVE STREAMING PARTNER FOR IIFA 2016 IN INDIA.

20th June 2016, Mumbai: Riding on the back of an immensely successful launch and a high decibel marketing campaign, VOOT by Viacom18, today announced its partnership with India’s most awaited and celebrated film celebration – IIFA 2016. This strategic alliance with the International Indian Film Academy is in line with VOOT’s promise of bringing differentiated and engaging content to its digital audience.

With IIFA 2016 ready to take off later this month in Madrid, VOOT is gearing up to converge the younger generation who are getting their TV entertainment from Internet-connected devices with the razzmatazz of this Bollywood extravaganza.

Speaking about the association, Gaurav Gandhi, COO, Viacom18 Digital Ventures said, “We are delighted to partner with IIFA to bring the biggest Bollywood Awards extravaganza to the digital audiences In India. Within a very short period, VOOT has already emerged as a go-to online destination for the biggest TV shows, Kids content and Digital Originals (VOOT Originals). With this association with IIFA, which already enjoys a massive fan following in India, we are further strengthening our Bollywood proposition as well. Viewers in India will now be able to stream all IIFA 2016 Awards, IIFA Rocks and related content on their mobile and computer screens on-demand and this will be available exclusively on VOOT."

Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International said “IIFA is all about celebrating Indian Cinema and bringing a grand cinematic experience to fans in India and across the world. Within a short span of time VOOT has forged its prominence in the digital entertainment world and we are delighted to be partnering with them for IIFA 2016. The partnership will not only magnify the IIFA experience for its Indian fans – with the content now being available on-demand across screens, but it will also increase IIFA’s overall reach to a newer audience base that prefers to consume content primarily on their digital devices.”

IIFA 2016 hosts the most spectacular celebrity weekend where the stars and their fans converge together in Madrid, Spain. The highlights of the celebrations are the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend and the Nexa IIFA Awards powered by LeEco. The entire event is organized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment.

Hosted by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar, the star-studded event will showcase scintillating performances by the country's foremost heartthrobs Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Sonakshi Sinha, Tiger Shroff and many more. VOOT will help all Bollywood aficionados to watch them up close and personal on their preferred screens.

Amongst all Indian OTT players, VOOT, in a very short span, already has the most amount of original content.

VOOT is available for free on iOS, Android and web and delivered over mobile and WiFi networks. With a stellar line-up of content available across genres and languages, VOOT assures to keep you definitely wanting for more!

ABOUT VIACOM18 DIGITAL VENTURES

Viacom18 Digital Ventures is a newly created division within Viacom18 with a mandate to build consumer facing digital businesses for the company. In addition to building direct-to-consumer streaming businesses, Viacom18 digital ventures will also manage all digital licensing and monetization for the company’s content assets. The division will also look at expanding the group’s digital businesses and partnerships via both organic and in-organic routes. 

The mission of Viacom18 Digital Ventures is to entertain and enrich the lives of every online Indian, by bringing personalized world-class entertainment experiences on their connected screens

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema& India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com

About-Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd:

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading Event and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. The Global Indian Music Academy (GiMA) and The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) are some of its initiatives. Having begun its operations in 1988, Wizcraft has conceptualized and produced events staged in Mauritius, UK, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Africa, Iraq, Australia and Sri Lanka among others. Wizcraft’s clientele comprise leading global corporates, governments of various countries, leading international entertainment and sports associations, and celebrities. The company is focused on providing Global Event Management Solutions at the doorstep of its global clientele.     

New Book from API Academy, CA Technologies Provides Guidance on Using Microservices to Achieve Success in the Application Economy

“Microservice Architecture – Aligning Principles, Practices and Culture” Offers Guidelines for Improving Application Development Speed and Safety at Scale

MUMBAI – June 20, 2016 – CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) today announced the availability of “Microservice Architecture – Aligning Principles, Practices and Culture,” a practical guide to designing and sustaining software systems that use the modular, distributed approach of microservices. The book features the experiences of global organizations that have successfully adopted microservices to improve development speed and system safety at scale.

Co-authored by the API Academy at CA Technologies and published by O’Reilly Media, the book explains why microservices are important, as well as how to build sustainable applications using a microservice architecture. The book explores a design-based approach to microservices with guidance in a number of implementation areas. It offers a set of recipes and best practices for meeting practical, organizational and cultural challenges to microservices adoption.

“Organizations of every size and in every industry are relying on microservices to increase their development velocity and system manageability at scale,” said Matt McLarty, vice president of the API Academy at CA Technologies and a co-author of the book. “This book will help those organizations—as well as ones just getting started—use a microservice architecture to chart a successful course as their systems grow.”

The book can be downloaded for free, compliments of CA Technologies.  

The API Academy and CA Technologies will launch the book at the API360 Microservices Summit in New York City on June 16. The summit will bring together early adopters, industry experts and software visionaries to discuss the merits and best practices of microservices. Special guest speaker Mel Conway, inventor, educator and creator of “Conway’s Law,” will be in attendance for a question and answer session.

To register for the API360 Microservices Summit and learn how organizations can succeed with microservices, visit here. To follow the event, check out the official Twitter hashtag: #API360

Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings celebrates the journey of Style and Individual expression

  ~ Actor Boman Irani, Komorebi Feat. Kutle Khan & Sidd Coutto

bring alive the true essence of Style in Mumbai ~

Mumbai, June 18, 2016: Exploring the nuances of Style like never before, Mumbai witnessed Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings tonight. The evening uncovered inspirations which blend to curate an individual’s style and become their essence. Known for delivering commendable performances in diverse roles, actor Boman Irani enthralled the audience with his unconventional idea of Style that is born out of confidence and passion. Creating a euphoric mood for the evening Komorebi Feat. Kutle Khan & Sidd Coutto mesmerized the audience with a unique blend of intricate rhythms.

Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings crafted an evening with distinguished artists who exude brilliance that is core to their Style and success; capturing the audience with sublime experiences which will remain etched in their minds. It is a journey that represents sophistication and carefully-crafted detail that only a connoisseur can bring to his technique. The evening set in motion as the maestro Boman Irani took centre-stage as the Style Blender for Mumbai and eloquently moved the audience with his avant-garde insights on style and self-expression.

Mr. Raja Banerji, Assistant Vice President, Pernod Ricard India said, “Through Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings the brand endeavors to celebrate style by creating an ecosystem where style is about a unique expression of an individual.”

Expressing his thoughts during the show, the very talented Boman Irani said, “I have always believed that Style goes beyond our looks and captures our true essence. I define my style by presenting myself in the best way, no matter what character I’m playing. My style is defined by my confidence, doing justice to what I’m doing and challenging myself to do the best; whether it was being a photographer, performing in theatre or today, working in movies. My journey has been enriching and all my experiences have defined my style today. I am excited to be sharing my story through the stage of Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings which is a true celebration of individuality and one’s style journey.”

Adding to the finesse of the evening were Komorebi Feat. Kutle Khan & Sidd Coutto along with live percussionists, as they consumed the audience in a rare experience of fusion.

GLOBAL SMURFS NIGHT CELEBRATIONS IN SINGAPORE

To kick off events for Global Smurfs Day, an event celebrated around the world on June 25, an installation of 5,000 Smurfs figurines was unveiled at the 57^th floor observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands. This year, the annual event was commemorated after dark, making it the first Global Smurfs Night celebration.

Global Smurfs Day is an annual event that celebrates Smurfs creator Peyo’s birthday.

A new fully animated film SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE will hit movie theaters worldwide Spring 2017.

  

Google puts the spotlight on Indian Cinema Search experiences

~ 1 in 10 Indian mobile searches are about Indian cinema ~

~ Google builds Search experiences especially for Indian cinema lovers ~

Mumbai - Thursday, June 16 2016: India’s passion for cinema has inspired Google to create a range of immersive Search experiences especially for Indian cinema. If you ever wanted to try to wrap your head around the labyrinth of the Kapoor family? Or know more about the Bachchan’s? Now when you ask Google questions about films, actors, song lyrics, film trivia, trailers, screening times and more, you’ll get rich, contextual answers.

These Search experiences were highlighted at an event in Mumbai today featuring Director Karan Johar and Google India’s Marketing Head Sapna Chadha and Search Product Manager Satyajeet Salgar. With around 1 in 10 mobile searches in India related to Indian cinema, Google Search now gives local cinema enthusiasts an easy way to discover and explore everything they want to know about their favourite movies, stars, music, dialogues actors and more.

“Google has a long history of building products for India, and we wanted to make sure that when these millions of Indian cinema fans pick up their phone and ask Google about their favourite films, actors or songs, they get a delightful, local experience” explained Google Marketing Head, Sapna Chadha.

Google also released a video tribute to Indian cinema that showcases these Search experiences.

Highlighting the way Search has evolved, Satyajeet Salgar, Product Manager, Search showcased answers and carousels powered by the Knowledge Graph, movie showtime and featured snippets. So depending on the question, be it “What movies are Anil Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in together? Or  What are the showtime for Te3n?  Or Show me Sunidhi Chauhan’s latest songs, Google Search now shows rich, contextual answers.

“We hope that cinema fans enjoy exploring the wonderful world of Indian cinema with Google and we look forward to continuing to add even richer, immersive features to Search over time. Abhi toh Picture shuru hui hai!,” added Salgar.