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23Aug, 2024

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G with Circle to Search Now Available

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced a never-before-seen price on Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones. Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G deliver the best of Samsung’s flagship mobile innovations, and now come with Circle to Search with Google, an AI feature.

Under the limited period offer, Galaxy A55 5G will be available at a net effective starting price of INR 33999, while Galaxy A35 5G will be available at a net effective starting price of INR 25999.

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G have multiple flagship features including Gorilla Glass Victus+, camera features enhanced by AI, Samsung Knox Vault, four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

Customers can avail attractive bank cashback of INR 6000 on Galaxy A55 5G and INR 5000 on Galaxy A35 5G, when buying these smartphones using credit cards from leading banks. They can also avail EMIs of up to six months.

Customers can also enjoy an upgrade bonus of up to INR 6000 on Galaxy A55 5G and up to INR 5000 on Galaxy A35 5G. However, customers can avail either bank cashback or upgrade bonus.

Circle to Search

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G come with Circle to Search, offering a transformative experience of discovery that goes beyond traditional search methods. This feature — the result of a deep collaboration with Google — has continuously evolved to enhance its usability and intuitiveness. As one of the most popular features of Galaxy AI, Circle to Search allows users to search for anything on their screen with a simple gesture – drawing a circle around a text with a finger or scribbling on an object on screen – without the need to switch apps. For instance, if users come across a clothing item they like in a social media post, they can draw a circle around it using Circle to Search to find similar products online instantly. Circle to Search, which has also become a standout in the Galaxy S24 Series, can further help with daily tasks like identifying a landmark, shopping for an untagged item, or exploring details within a video.

Awesome Camera

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G come with a host of impressive features including photography capabilities inspired by Galaxy’s flagship camera innovations and a stunning 6.6-inch screen display that adjusts to users’ surroundings with Vision Booster. Galaxy A55 5G comes with 50MP Main with OIS and 12MP Ultra-Wide, while Galaxy A35 5G comes with 50MP Main with OIS and 8MP Ultra-Wide. Both feature a 5MP Macro. Galaxy A55 5G features a 32MP Front Camera, while Galaxy A35 5G comes with a 13MP Front Camera. The devices also have features such as 4K stabilization due to VDIS + adaptive VDIS (video digital image stabilization) and OIS (optical image stabilization) that keep photos and videos crisp even when filming on the go. The enhanced Nightography feature on Galaxy A55 5G ensures stunning low-light photography, capturing vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. Both devices also boast Super AMOLED displays, offering full HD clarity and an immersive viewing experience.

Moreover, Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones come with multiple innovative AI enhanced camera features that can take the user’s content game to the next level. Once a picture is clicked, AI-suggested edits like Photo Remaster allow users to enhance their images, Portrait Effect helps focus on what is truly important, and the Object Eraser feature can remove unwanted photo-bombers and reflections. The extremely popular Image Clipper lets users clip the subject of any image and use it as a sticker. The Adjust Speed feature is also phenomenal since it helps dynamically change the speed of the videos and create dramatic outputs similar to professionally shot clips.

Awesome Design & Durability

They are rated IP67, which means they can withstand up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of fresh water. They are also built to resist dust and sand, making them ideal for any situation. Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are additionally designed to withstand slips and falls due to the Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front and back.

Awesome Performance

The all-new Exynos 1480 processor built on 4nm process technology powers Galaxy A55 5G while the Galaxy A35 5G has been upgraded to the Exynos 1380 processor built on 5nm process technology. These power-packed smartphones come with several NPU, GPU and CPU upgrades along with a 70%+ larger cooling chamber that ensures a smooth output whether you game or multi-task.

Awesome Secure like None Other

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G bring one of Samsung’s most innovative security features from flagship Galaxy devices to Galaxy A series users for the very first time – Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based and tamper-resistant security solution offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks by constructing a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory. It can also help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns.

For even more ways to stay protected, Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones offer Auto Blocker, which when switched on can block app installations from unauthorized sources, provide app security checks to scan for potential malware and block potentially malicious commands and software installations to your device while connected by USB cable.

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G devices are available for purchase via Samsung.com, across Samsung stores, and other online platforms. Galaxy A35 5G is available in three colours – Awesome Lilac, Awesome Ice Blue & Awesome Navy while Galaxy A55 5G is available in two colours – Awesome Ice Blue & Awesome Navy.

Model	A55 5G	A35 5G
Original price (8/128)	INR 39999	INR 30999
Offer	INR 6000	INR 5000
NEP	INR 33999	INR 25999

23Aug, 2024

India’s Future International Champions: 5 Emerging Women Athletes of India

As India advances on the global sports stage, a new generation of female athletes is emerging, poised to become the nation’s next sports icons. This exciting transformation is supported by the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation which are dedicated to nurturing and empowering young talent. Through substantial funding and support, including state-of-the-art facilities for professional training, these athletes are breaking records and inspiring future generations. 

Here’s a closer look at five women athletes to watch:  

1. Shaili Singh  

Shaili Singh has been making waves in Indian athletics. In 2018, at just 14 years old, she joined the Junior India Camp in the long jump and began training under Dronacharya Robert Bobby George, supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation. Shaili holds national records in the U-16 (6.15 m), U-18 (6.48 m), and U-20 (6.76 m) categories. She earned a silver medal at the Junior World Athletics Championships in 2021 and another silver at the Asian Championships in 2023, marking her as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

In October 2023, she achieved a world ranking of 22 but narrowly missed the entry for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the World Ranking quota by just 11 points. Shaili won gold at the Indian Grand Prix in April 2023 with a personal best jump of 6.76 meters—the second-best by an Indian woman. In the same year, she secured a bronze in the World Athletics Seiko Grand Prix held in Yokohama, Japan, and also participated in the Asian Indoor Championships, the Budapest World Athletics Championships, and the Hangzhou Asian Games. In 2024, participated in six World Athletics Continental Tour bronze/international meets, where she secured two silvers and one bronze.

Shaili is poised to carry forward India’s long jump legacy and is expected to break the national record of 6.83 meters set by Anju Bobby George at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Insta handle: Shaili Singh   

2. Poorva Hitesh Sawant  

Poorva Hitesh Sawant is known for her explosive speed and strength. Her journey began at the age of seven, and since then, she has explored various events, including the long jump and heptathlon, before discovering her passion for the triple jump in 2021. After moving to Bangalore in 2022 to train under the guidance of Robert Bobby George, Poorva’s dedication has led to remarkable achievements. She finished 4th at the Asian Indoor Championship in 2023 with a jump of 13.06 meters, won gold in the National Federation Cup in 2023, and clinched gold at the 3rd Indian Open Jumps Competition and Indian Grand Prix in 2024. With a personal best of 13.31 meters, she is expected to become a strong competitor at the international level.

Insta handle: Poorva Hitesh Swant Anuja   

3. Ravada Kusuma

Ravada Kusuma, a talented long jumper from Andhra Pradesh, has faced her fair share of ups and downs throughout her athletic career, including injuries and fluctuations in performance at national competitions. In 2023, her hard work finally paid off as she won gold in the U-23 National Championship and silver in the All India Inter University Championship. In 2024, she secured gold in the Khelo India University Games, marking a significant turning point in her athletic career. After joining the National Junior Camp in 2017, the support from the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation provided her access to quality coaching, training facilities, and nutrition. With a personal best of 6.14 meters, Kusuma’s immense potential suggests she has yet to achieve her best.

Insta handle: Ravada Kusuma   

4. Namayi Ruchitha  

Namayi Ruchitha is a rising star in athletics, showcasing her talent on the track. In 2022, she won gold at the U-20 National Athletics Championship in the 100-meter hurdles and silver at the Khelo India University Games. In 2023, she secured silver in the Junior National Athletic Championship, and in 2024, she clinched gold again at the Khelo India University Games. With a personal best time of 14.28 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, Namayi is a versatile and promising athlete to watch in future championships. The support from the foundation has allowed her to concentrate on her training and set ambitious goals, such as breaking the 14-second barrier in her events.

Insta handle: Namayi Ruchitha  

5. Susmita  

Susmita’s journey hasn’t been easy; she has faced numerous challenges but her resolve to overcome these obstacles has been inspiring. Susmita draws strength from her family and her coach, Robert Bobby George, who motivates her to keep pushing forward. Her impressive achievements include earning silver at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in 2023, gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2022, gold in the U20 National Athletic Championship in 2023, and a bronze at both the Indian Grand Prix and the Indian Open Jumps Meet in 2024, with a personal best of 6.28 meters. As she continues to rise, Susmita is emerging as a strong contender for future sports glory in the long jump.

Insta handle: Susmita  

Conclusion  

These five young athletes, supported by Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation, are setting the stage for India’s future sports success. As they train, compete, and break barriers, the nation watches in anticipation, ready to cheer them on as they reach the pinnacle of sporting excellence and represent India with pride and passion.

23Aug, 2024

Tech Mahindra and Google Cloud collaborate to increase the use of GenAI

IT major Tech Mahindra and tech giant Google Cloud on Thursday established a strategic relationship to enhance generative AI (gen AI) adoption and lead digital transformation for various entities of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M). This comes as AI use is surging among Indian organizations towards digital transformation.

Tech Mahindra is going to improve M&M engineering, supply chain, pre-sales, and after-sales services by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology.

“The partnership with Google Cloud is a step forward in setting new customer experience benchmarks by leveraging the power of AI-based insights,” said Rucha Nanavati, Chief Information Officer at Mahindra Group.

With the help of Google Cloud, M&M will be able to identify irregularities in the production process, resulting in zero malfunctions, maximum energy economy, improved vehicle safety, increased dependability, and ultimately an improved customer experience.

“Google Cloud is committed to providing companies like M&M with our trusted, secure cloud infrastructure, and advanced AI tools,” said Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud.

Additionally, M&M and Tech Mahindra will create AI-powered solutions for crucial business domains using Google Cloud’s AI technology. Furthermore, Tech Mahindra will oversee a variety of workloads, such as those related to enterprise applications and simulators.

According to Tech Mahindra’s Chief Operating Officer, Atul Soneja, this action reaffirms the company’s dedication to assisting businesses in growing quickly and unlocking new value through the use of AI and ML-based insights.

Access to integrated data platforms and cloud-based solutions can be a game-changer for fostering creativity and gaining insightful knowledge in today’s linked world, he continued.

Tech Mahindra opened a delivery center in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2023 with the goal of offering Google Cloud-centric solutions and assisting clients in updating their infrastructure and managing workloads through the use of unique accelerators, Cloud Native, and Open-Source technologies.

23Aug, 2024

India’s Data Privacy & Sovereignty Imperative: Industry Leaders Chart a Course for AI Innovation and Digital Trust

As India emerges as a global AI frontrunner, the intricate interplay between data innovation, data sovereignty and robust privacy safeguards has become a paramount concern, especially given the rise of AI. To address this critical challenge, Data Dynamics and the Consulate General of the United States in Mumbai convened a high-level roundtable on “The Future of Data Privacy and Security in the Era of AI”.

Hosted by Consul General Mike Hankey, the event brought together a distinguished gathering of government officials and industry leaders. Sujata Saunik, Home Secretary of Maharashtra, and Yashasvi Yadav, Special Inspector General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, lent their expertise to the discussions.

Key decision-makers from India’s corporate landscape, including top-tier CISOs, CIOs, and CTOs from BSE, LIC, HSBC, Citi Bank, HDFC Life Insurance, CAMS, ICICI Lombard, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Hospitals, Alkem Laboratories, Kenvue, L&T Technology Services, and Hitachi Vantara, participated for in-depth discussions on data privacy for AI, data sovereignty, consumer trust, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the practical implications for businesses.

U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey delivered the keynote address stating, “As AI technology rapidly advances, safeguarding data privacy and security becomes increasingly crucial. The roundtable highlighted the need for robust frameworks that foster innovation while ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI solutions. Through international cooperation and adherence to ethical standards, we can empower societies and economies to fully leverage AI’s potential while protecting individual rights and freedoms.”

“Ensuring Digital Trust is foundational to our nation’s digital aspirations. This is defined by a commitment to data privacy, ethical AI, data sovereignty and security, while complying with social and environmental regulations. It is imperative that we build a data ecosystem that is not just secure but also equitable and inclusive. This requires a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and civil society to establish India as a global leader in data governance and innovation while safeguarding the interests of its citizens. India has the potential to be a global data powerhouse, but realizing this potential requires a delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting individual privacy rights,” said Piyush Mehta, CEO, Data Dynamics.

The roundtable delved into the complexities of navigating India’s data landscape, where the potential to harness data for economic growth is immense. Based on an Ericsson Mobility Report, India is set to become the world’s largest mobile data consumer by 2028, surpassing even developed nations. With average monthly data consumption projected to reach 62GB per user, India’s appetite for data will outpace those of the US, Western Europe, South Korea, and China. This surge is fuelled by exceptionally low data costs, rapid 5G expansion, and increasing smartphone affordability.

The Future of Data Privacy and Security in the Era of AI

Additionally, a Nasscom-BCG report has stated that India’s AI market is expected to touch 17 billion USD by 2027. This creates an urgency for enterprises to strike a balance between data innovation, usage, accessibility and privacy, while ensuring regulatory adherence and digital trust. However, a key challenge lies in the management of this very data—given that 80% of enterprise data today is unstructured (Gartner)—which will continue to grow due to the advent of AI.

The roundtable discussion called for a comprehensive national data strategy that addresses data privacy, security, and sovereignty. While emphasizing the need for industry-wide adoption of best practices and standards for data management, critical topics discussed included:

Navigating the Complexities of Data Privacy in the world of AI

The rapid advancement of AI has introduced new challenges and opportunities for data privacy. The roundtable delved into the implications of AI-driven data processing and emphasized the importance of responsible AI development and deployment, underscored by robust data governance frameworks.

Emphasising Consent Management with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act was a central theme of the discussions. Industry leaders explored the potential impact of the legislation on businesses, consumers, and the overall digital economy. While acknowledging the importance of data protection, participants also highlighted the need for a regulatory environment that fosters innovation.

Building a Trust-Based Digital Ecosystem

To ensure the successful implementation of data protection measures, the roundtable emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and academia. A key focus was on the role of cybersecurity in protecting data from emerging threats such as ransomware and supply chain attacks.

Data Sovereignty and Localization

The roundtable underscored the critical role of data sovereignty in India’s digital future. Participants emphasized the need for a strategic approach to data localization that balances national security with fostering a vibrant data economy, one that adheres to the DPDP Act’s guidelines. By establishing clear and predictable data governance policies, India can position itself as a global leader in data management while safeguarding its digital autonomy.

The roundtable closed with a renewed resolve to foster open dialogue and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a robust data ecosystem in India. With a shared commitment to responsible data management and privacy, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the AI era.

Data Dynamics remains dedicated to empowering organizations with data-driven insights while upholding the highest standards of privacy and security. With a proven track record of serving over 300 enterprises—including 28 Fortune 100 companies—for the past 12 years, Data Dynamics has established itself as a trusted partner in driving data democratization and digital trust.

23Aug, 2024

UPI Booster: Use INDmoney to quickly withdraw funds from the stock market

On Thursday, the money management firm INDmoney said that investors will now be able to instantly withdraw money from their stock trading accounts on the site using UPI.

By guaranteeing real-time transaction settlements, the feature increases liquidity by allowing customers to withdraw their money into savings accounts instantaneously, even if they are trading that same day. This solves a major issue for stock investors.

Investors can take out as much as Rs 1 lakh on the same day thanks to this facility. Regardless of their trading activity, investors will receive quick withdrawals into their bank accounts.

“Instant Withdrawals aligns with our commitment to simplifying financial management and ensuring our users have immediate access to their funds when they need it the most,” said Ashish Kashyap, Founder of INDmoney.

On trading days, the “Instant Withdrawal” service is first made available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The business intends to expand this service to a 24-hour operation in the upcoming months.

Zerodha, an online brokerage platform, said in May that users would be able to instantaneously withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh per day, free of charge, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The government has been pushing UPI as a platform for international payments. In an effort to draw in Indian clients, businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now taking payments via UPI in rupees.

One of the largest retailers in the United Arab Emirates, Lulu, has begun allowing its patrons to pay with UPI at all of its locations.

In the UAE, Point of Sale (POS) devices allow Indian nationals and residents to conveniently make payments using QR codes.

The number of Indian tourists visiting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is projected by the NPCI to reach 98 lakh by 2024. It is estimated that 53 lakh Indians will travel to the UAE alone.

Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, France, and Bhutan all formally accept UPI.

In July, UPI-based transactions increased by 35% YoY (year over year), totaling Rs 20.64 lakh crore as opposed to Rs 20.07 lakh crore.

22Aug, 2024

Stree 2: Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor feature in the horror comedy

The horror comedy film ‘Stree 2’, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, was released on August 15 by its makers. The creators took to social media and released a short, eerie movie with the word ‘Stree’ written in Hindi and red font. The message reads: “Fir se! #Stree2 in cinemas on this Independence Day.” Catch the #Stree2 teaser exclusively in cinemas with #Munjya starting today.”

The film sees the return of the successful horror comedy franchise ‘Stree’. Amar Kaushik directs, and Dinesh Vijan produces under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios.The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Varun Dhawan (in a cameo as ‘Bhediya’), with Tamannaah Bhatia making a special appearance.

Shraddha Kapoor reveals a new poster for ‘Stree 2’ that features Stree’s braid. Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is excited for the premiere of her next horror-comedy flick ‘Stree 2′, unveiled a new poster on Tuesday. The poster depicts a hand clutching a braid in a firm grip, which is an important part in the film’s story.

Shraddha’s character hinted at her identity in the first part of the film, which was released in 2018, by wearing the Stree (the ghost) braid, which piqued viewers’ interest and left them wondering if she was a ghost. Shraddha said in the caption, “Ek badi suchna – O Stree aa rahi hai in barely two days. The #Stree2 trailer will be released in two days! The legend returns on Independence Day, August 15, 2024.”
Also She added on his status as “STREE 2 aa gayi hai theaters mein”.

“Aatank jab Chanderi par chhaya, tab sabko ek hi nara yaad aaya, O Stree Raksha Karna!” ‘Stree’, which was directed by debutant Amar Kaushik, also starred Rajkummar Rao, Flora Saini, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee.

The plot is based on Karnataka’s urban legend Nale Ba (“Come Tomorrow”). Rajkummar, who played a tailor in ‘Stree’, learned to sew as part of his character preparation.

“Stree” is regarded as one of the best horror-comedy films in Hindi cinema, laying the groundwork for a supernatural realm. Other films in this universe are ‘Roohi’, ‘Bhediya’, and ‘Munjya’. ‘Stree 2’ will expand the cosmos even further. In a week, it grossed over 400 crore at the box office.

22Aug, 2024

Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid shine at Cricket Rating Awards

India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the ‘Men’s International Cricketer of the Year’ title, while former head coach Rahul Dravid received the ‘Lifetime Achievement title’ at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards 2023-24 on Wednesday. India’s batting veteran Virat Kohli was crowned ‘Men’s ODI Batter of the Year,’ while Mohammed Shami was voted ‘ODI Bowler of the Year’. Shami’s amazing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he took the most wickets (24).

Yashasvi Jaiswal, a young sensation who scored 712 runs against England in the five-Test series earlier this year, was named the ‘Men’s Test Batter of the Year’. Jaiswal’s rise in Test cricket has been spectacular, with his outstanding performances earning much praise.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran off-spinner, was voted the ‘Men’s Test Bowler of the Year’.

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, received the ‘Award for Excellence in Sports Administration’ in recognition of his contributions to Indian cricket.

Tamil Nadu skipper R Sai Kishore, who guided his team to the Ranji Trophy final last season, has been crowned the ‘Domestic Cricketer of the Year’.

New Zealand’s Tim Southee was named ‘Men’s T20I Bowler of the Year’, while England’s Phil Salt was named ‘Best Batter of the Year’ in the T20 format.

Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India’s women’s team, was given with a souvenir for leading the country to the most T20I matches in history.

Her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, was crowned ‘Women’s Indian Batter of the Year’, while Deepti Sharma was chosen ‘Indian Bowler of the Year’.

Shafali Verma was presented with a memento for her incredible achievement of achieving the fastest double century in women’s Test cricket, which she completed in just 194 balls against South Africa in the Chennai Test earlier this year.

Shreyas Iyer, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL triumph earlier this year, was awarded a memento for ‘Outstanding Leadership’.

22Aug, 2024

Technology and social media are not the best teaching tools for children: Report

A study conducted in the United States on Friday found that children who spend too much time on social media and technology may find it more difficult to build meaningful relationships. Based on a study of 1,146 parents, the results revealed that parents are worried about their kids’ excessive use of technology (50%) and bullying (30%) as well as the pandemic’s societal effects (22%). Approximately 19% of parents claim that their child’s inability to fit in at school is due to differences in their race, ethnicity, culture, financial situation, or gender identity.

“Connections foster a sense of belonging, which is essential for academic success and overall well-being,” said Dr. Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and a paediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“While technology has its pros and cons, parents should be mindful of warning signs that indicate their child’s tech usage might be affecting their real-world social interactions,” Hoet added.

Parents should look out for symptoms such as losing track of time, becoming engrossed in electronics, withdrawing from social interactions, being irritable, negative impacts on physical health, and adjustments in social relationships or academic achievement, according to Hoet.

These markers can assist parents in determining whether their child’s excessive screen use is harming their social interactions.

The poll also reveals other worries about relationships in the classroom, including fitting in (14%), making new friends in class (17%), experiencing bullying or exclusion (13%), and making friends in extracurricular activities and sports (5%).

Hoet emphasized the value of giving kids from underrepresented or marginalized groups a sense of community.

She advised parents and other caregivers to look for mentors who can serve as positive role models, locate environments where their child may feel comfortable, and follow up with their child on a regular basis to address any concerns about social interactions and internet experiences.

According to Hoet, “parents and teachers can play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging.” However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that immigrant parents can find this more difficult because they may not be as familiar with the local customs and educational system.

21Aug, 2024

Sony unveils BRAVIA 9 brightest ever 4K Television series for ultimate and most authentic cinematic experience

Sony India is proud to unveil the BRAVIA 9, its latest flagship Mini LED television series, loaded with XR Backlight Master Drive this television series can produce vivid image, deep blacks, supreme contrast and beautifully natural colours. Powered by the advanced AI Processor XR, this cutting-edge television series is designed to deliver an unparalleled immersive experience, setting a new benchmark in home entertainment.

1. Equipped with XR Backlight Master Drive, BRAVIA9 delivers unparalleled brightness, incomparably beautiful colours

The BRAVIA 9 immerses you in the scene, much like the backlight control technology used in Sony’s professional monitors for filmmakers. The XR Backlight Master Drive, with its unique local dimming algorithm, precisely controls thousands of LEDs to deliver truly authentic contrast and preserve shadow detail in even the most demanding scenes.

2. Enjoy faithfully natural scenes in absolute detail, even in the brightest daylight with High Peak Luminance

With High Peak Luminance in BRAVIA 9, imagine a brilliantly sunlit, snow-covered mountain landscape. These exceptionally bright televisions, with unprecedented luminance, can faithfully reproduce natural scenes with absolute detail, even in the brightest daylight.

3. BRAVIA 9 Mini LED offers 4 times more pixel than HD for a clearer more detailed picture

The BRAVIA 9 features BRAVIA XR Mini LED technology, providing exceptional depth, intense contrast, and stunning brightness. With four times more pixels than HD, this television ensures a clearer, more detailed picture, bringing every scene to life with remarkable precision. Enjoy an immersive viewing experience with vivid, lifelike visuals that capture every nuance, making the BRAVIA 9 the ultimate choice for discerning viewers seeking unparalleled picture quality.

4. With XR Contrast Booster enjoy adjusted brightness for deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and supreme contrast

The BRAVIA 9 series features a Mini LED panel with XR Contrast Booster 30, which enhances the depth and detail of images by precisely controlling the backlighting. This technology results in deeper blacks and brighter whites, giving a dynamic contrast that brings scenes to life. The Mini LED panel also improves viewing angles, ensuring consistent picture quality from any seat in the room.

5. XR Triluminos Pro expresses billions of accurate colours with exceptional black contrast

XR Triluminos Pro technology in the BRAVIA 9 brings your content to life with billions of accurate colors, delivering an extraordinary viewing experience. This advanced technology enhances color precision and depth, ensuring that every hue is displayed with stunning clarity. Combined with exceptional black contrast, XR Triluminos Pro produces vibrant, true-to-life images that closely match the creator’s intent. Enjoy breathtaking visuals with rich, detailed colors and deep blacks, making every scene look remarkably realistic and immersive.

6. Powered by advanced AI Processor XR, BRAVIA 9 provides a completely immersive experience

The new BRAVIA 9 series will be available in 189 cm (75) and 215 cm (85) screen size. The advanced AI Processor XR in the BRAVIA 9 series revolutionizes viewing by understanding human perception of sight and sound. This processor features a scene recognition system that detects and analyzes data with high accuracy, optimizing the picture for ultimate realism to reproduce a cinema creator’s intention. The result is unparalleled depth, vibrant contrast, and lifelike colors, creating an engaging viewing experience that brings movies, shows, and games to life with extraordinary clarity and precision. The BRAVIA 9 sets a new standard for home entertainment, transforming your living room into a cinematic haven.

7. Equipped with Studio Calibrated mode, it precisely reproduces the image quality intended by the creator for a perfect cinema at home experience

BRAVIA 9 series comes with Studio Calibrated modes that deliver the image quality film content creators intended, right in your home. In addition to the already established Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode and SONY PICTURES CORE (formerly BRAVIA CORE) Calibrated Mode, there is now a Prime Video Calibrated Mode. This new mode offers customers even more ways to enjoy premium entertainment as the creators envisioned. With Prime Video Calibrated Mode, viewers can experience optimal picture quality that is automatically adjusted for movies, series, and, for the first time, live sports. The BRAVIA 9 series is IMAX enhanced and supports both Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®, providing exceptional brightness, sharper contrast, richer colors, and immersive sound. This ensures a superior viewing experience on Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, and other popular streaming platforms.

8. Create your cinema at home experience perfect with Dolby Vision Atmos

The BRAVIA 9 brings studio-quality entertainment to your living room with its cutting-edge technologies. Dolby Vision™ enhances HDR content with striking highlights, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors, delivering a more immersive viewing experience. Dolby Atmos provides multi-dimensional sound, making you feel fully immersed in the action.

9. Enjoy IMAX enhanced movies with 80Mbps Pure Stream on SONY PICTURES CORE App exclusively on BRAVIA 9

The BRAVIA 9 Series includes SONY PICTURES CORE, an exclusive platform that offers access to a vast library of Sony Pictures movies. This platform also features 4K HDR and IMAX Enhanced movies, providing an elevated movie-watching experience with superior picture and sound quality. For 24 months, you will receive 10 free credits to stream movies in 4K Blu-ray quality with IMAX Enhanced visuals, bringing the magic of the big screen to your living room.

With the latest XR 4K Upscaling, XR Clear Image and XR Motion Clarity enjoy 4K action that stays smooth, bright, and clear with no blur

The BRAVIA 9 features the latest XR 4K Upscaling, XR Clear Image, and XR Motion Clarity technologies, ensuring every scene is rendered with exceptional clarity and precision. XR 4K Upscaling enhances lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, while XR Clear Image sharpens details for a crisper picture. XR Motion Clarity technology eliminates blur in fast-moving scenes, delivering smooth, bright, and clear 4K action—perfect for both movies and gaming.

X-Anti Reflection minimizes reflection and X-Wide Angle™ technology provides vivid real-world colours from any angle

The BRAVIA 9 features X-Anti Reflection technology, which significantly reduces reflections and glare for clear, uninterrupted viewing even in bright environments. Paired with X-Wide Angle™ technology, this TV maintains vivid, true-to-life colors from nearly any angle. Whether you’re viewing from the side or directly in front, the BRAVIA 9 delivers consistent picture quality, enhancing your cinematic and gaming experiences with exceptional clarity and color accuracy.

Enjoy picture and sound in complete harmony as the screen is the speaker with Acoustic Multi-Audio+, XR Surround with 3D surround upscaling, and Acoustic Centre Sync

The new BRAVIA 9 features Acoustic Multi-Audio+ with a Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeters on the sides, delivering immersive cinematic surround sound. Every sound is positioned accurately, enhancing the viewing experience. Acoustic Center Sync integrates your sound system, such as a soundbar, with the TV, ensuring that the sound precisely matches the action on the screen for a home cinema setup. The new Voice Zoom 3 technology uses AI algorithms to recognize and adjust the volume of human dialogue, making even soft speech clear and prominent. This feature works exceptionally well with BRAVIA Theatre home audio products, creating a seamless sound experience where audio appears to come directly from the TV screen.

BRAVIA 9 is an enormous gaming machine which is Perfect for PlayStation 5

The BRAVIA 9 stands out as a top-tier gaming television as Perfect for PS5, delivering an optimized gaming experience with stunning visuals and smooth performance. It includes Auto HDR Tone Mapping for enhanced contrast and color accuracy, and Auto Game Mode ensures minimal lag and rapid response times. Even in dark shadows and bright highlights, fine details and true colors are visible. The BRAVIA 9 automatically switches to Game Mode with the PS5 to reduce lag and maximize responsiveness, then reverts to Standard Mode for movies, providing more expressive scenes. With support for 4K/120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), it ensures smooth and clear movement for responsive gameplay. Additionally, you can control your PlayStation® remotely if you have a compatible BRAVIA connected to the internet. The PS Remote Play app allows you to manage your PS5® or PS4™ console from another room or even a friend’s house.

Game Menu feature in BRAVIA 9 allows easy access gaming status, settings and gaming assist functions all in one place

The Game Menu feature in the BRAVIA 9 offers a centralized hub for gamers to easily access their gaming status, settings, and support functions. This intuitive interface consolidates all essential gaming controls in one place, streamlining the gaming experience. Whether you’re adjusting settings, monitoring performance, or accessing game-specific tools, the Game Menu ensures that every aspect of your gaming session is effortlessly manageable and optimized for peak performance, enhancing your overall gameplay enjoyment.

BRAVIA 9 television offers a smart user experience with Google TV which offers endless entertainment

BRAVIA 9 series delivers a smart user experience powered by Google TV, giving you access to 400,000 movies and TV episodes, as well as 10,000 apps and games. Google TV organizes all your favorite content in one place, making it easy to find and enjoy what you love. With voice search functionality for hands-free control and integration with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, connectivity with your Apple devices is seamless. Personalized recommendations and voice search capabilities ensure you have quick access to a wide range of entertainment options, all tailored to your viewing preferences and needs.

With the Hands-Free Voice Search feature, you can interact with the TV to play your favorite shows and movies

The Hands-Free Voice Search feature in the BRAVIA 9 provides a seamless and intuitive way to interact with your television. Simply speak to the TV to effortlessly search for and play your favorite shows and movies. This advanced functionality eliminates the need for manual input, making it easier than ever to access content quickly. With voice commands, your entertainment experience becomes more convenient and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on what matters most: watching your favorite content.

Explore an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, ambient optimization, Zoom Meetings and Google Meet, etc.

The BRAVIA 9 introduces BRAVIA CAM, which elevates your viewing experience with advanced features. Enjoy intuitive gesture controls for easy interaction and ambient optimization that adjusts screen settings to suit your environment for the best viewing experience. With Zoom Meetings and Google Meet integration, you can effortlessly host video calls directly from your TV. BRAVIA CAM brings a new level of convenience and interactivity, making your entertainment experience more engaging and personalized than ever.

Minimalist One Slate design to provide a truly immersive big-screen viewing experience

The One Slate concept of the BRAVIA 9 seamlessly integrates the screen and bezel into a single, sleek slate, minimizing distractions and maximizing your viewing experience. The steel stand curves inward, offering an elegant look from every angle. Designed with an almost invisible bezel, its naturally warm, smudge-resistant texture blends effortlessly with your interior decor, walls, and BRAVIA Theatre. The Underlay Stand is a thin, flat steel plate with a metallic hairline finish, providing options for placement: it can be positioned externally, fit within smaller shelves, or accommodate two soundbar positions to suit your viewing preferences.

Designed with the sustainability and accessibility in mind

Sony has set forth an environmental plan called Road to Zero, which aims to achieve zero environmental impact through its business activities and product life cycles by 2050. To contribute to this vision, BRAVIA will pursue innovations that provide the best viewing experience with high picture and sound quality and a premium design all the while contributing to reducing environmental impact. BRAVIA 9 use Sony’s proprietary signal processing to maximise the characteristics of the panel device (Mini LED), automatically optimising brightness for each scene while achieving both high brightness and low power consumption. In addition, the Eco Dashboard, which allows you to easily set and manage various energy saving settings of BRAVIA all at once, has been further evolved. You can also check the amount of power used and tips for saving energy. The compact, rechargeable Eco Remote is also made from approximately 79.7% recycled plastic. Sony aims to contribute to an inclusive society through its business, increasing accessibility to enable those with diverse needs to utilise its products.

BRAVIA develops products with accessibility in mind so that all customers can enjoy the movie experience, regardless of disability or age. Voice commands can be used to operate the BRAVIA TV, such as turning the power on/off and adjusting the volume. BRAVIA TVs are also equipped with shortcut commands that allow you to quickly and easily turn on/off accessibility features, allowing both those who require them and those who do not to use the same TV set without stress.

Price and Availability

Model	Best Buy (in INR)	Availability Date
75XR90	449,990/-	Available Now
85XR90	599,990/-	Available Now

These models will be available across all Sony Centers, major electronic stores, and e-commerce portals in India.

31Jul, 2024

Shark Tank Featured Startup Katidhan Felicitated by Karnataka Government

Bengaluru-based Katidhan, a fast-growing tech startup working at the intersection of cleantech, agri-tech and wildlife-tech has been felicitated by Government of Karnataka at an event held recently to celebrate the winners of its ELEVATE 2023 grant program. The event was graced by dignitaries like Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of Electronics, IT BT, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka; Siddharth Pai (3one4 Capital); Prashant Prakash (Accel Partners); Anant Narayan (Mensa Brands), among others, where the Bengaluru Innovation Report 2024 was also launched. At the ceremony, Katidhan’s founder Ayan S R was bestowed the ELEVATE 2023-24 Winner Award, along with a winner’s certificate.

Notably, Katidhan, a Shark Tank India-featured startup, had won a non-dilutive grant last year through the flagship ELEVATE program wherein the Government of Karnataka supports innovative technological startups to convert their ideas to POCs and from thereon scale-up their business models. This grant has proven to be highly beneficial for Katidhan as it continues to build its advanced technological solutions to reduce crop losses in agriculture due to wildlife attacks.

Speaking about the achievement, Ayan S R, Founder & Director, Katidhan said, “We are extremely proud and elated to have won the ELEVATE Grant Award. On this august occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation towards the Government of Karnataka for this fantastic initiative – they’re now one of the only state governments in our country to provide capital support to startups without any equity dilution. Apart from this, they are also supportive of us in providing investor connects, market access programs, tax breaks, global networks and numerous other benefits. No wonder, Bengaluru and Karnataka are undisputedly leading the way in nurturing a conducive startup ecosystem that builds world-class companies from India”.

The startup has previously won the ELEVATE Grant under Startup Karnataka, and had raised equity funding on Shark Tank India Season 3

“The ELEVATE grant has played a pivotal role for us at Katidhan to come out with a basic prototype of our ideas, which in turn indirectly helped us bag a deal on Shark Tank India. In fact, ELEVATE is that stepping stone over which we could climb and manifest bigger heights, and are now on track to launch the working prototype of our upcoming AI-enabled product,” added Ayan.

“Karnataka stands as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement, leading India’s startup ecosystem with remarkable achievements. The state, which hosts a thriving community of innovators, has cemented its reputation as a premier hub for technology and innovation”, commented Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka.

Notably, Katidhan was one of the top 101 startups that were awarded the ELEVATE grant in 2023, out of 15000 applicants from across Karnataka. A total of INR 60 Crore was provided to 263 startups under different programs such as ELEVATE, ELEVATE Call 2, ELEVATE Unnati and ELEVATE Amrita. ELEVATE is the brainchild of Priyank Kharge, who started it way back in 2015, and has been at the forefront of its growth, supporting over 980 startups with grant funding till date.

Earlier this year, Katidhan appeared on Shark Tank India Season 3 and successfully clinched an investment deal from OYO founder ‘Shark’ Ritesh Agarwal. The startup has grown incrementally over the last couple of years, with its innovative solutions having already reached and positively impacted around 2000 farmers across 12 Indian states as of date. Additionally, Katidhan has also established strong GTM partnerships in a bid to ensure that both its current and upcoming products are rapidly scaled across India.

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