Metz, a Germany based consumer electronic company, acquired by Chinese behemoth, Skyworth Electronics, has entered the Indian market today. During brand launch of Metz, the company also introduced premium sets of television in OLED – 4K Android, 4K Android, Android and Analog categories. The company launched six models of TV sets - M65S9A-OLED 4K UHD Android TV, M55G2 & M43U2-4K UHD Android TV (Also Available in 50”), M40E6 - FHD Android TV (Also Available in 32). Metz brand televisions will be made available across different formats of distribution network.
Along with Premium Models of Metz, the company also showcased its high end consumer goods such as Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air-conditioners, Water purifiers etc. The company also announced that Metz brand has been acquired by Skyworth, Shenzhen based Chinese flagship company, the 5th largest maker for LED TVs in the world.
Metz brand brings to Indian consumer high innovation, technologically advanced, with high quality engineered LED televisions, which include M65S9A, the premium model of OLED 4K UHD Android TV, powered with wide colour gamut, enhanced local dimming with subtle gradations and brightness. The TV is equipped with latest AI technology offering 500nits super bright panel and digitally enhanced picture quality. It is powered by Android 8.0 operating system with 16GB ROM expandable upto 128GB. The 65-inch TV allows users to access apps like Netflix, YouTube etc directly onto the TV. It features Home wind Front Mount speaker and also includes Wi-Fi, Google Play, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports for connectivity. Available in 65inch, M65S9A has been priced at Rs 2,98,490.
The 4K UHD Android TV - M43U2, M50G2 and M55G2 are priced at Rs 48,990, Rs 54,790 and Rs 65,690 respectively. All of them are designed to provide smart user experience, allowing users to access all their entertainment content in one place. The model M50G2 and M55G2 are elegantly crafted with metallic design. The add on feature of these models are its Powerful 3D game Engine, bringing a game lover a smart viewing experience. Along with gaming, these models are equipped with entertainment apps such as Netflix and YouTube. The AI equipped TV sets, brings theater like experience with its richer sound for a stronger, rumble effect to the movies and games. It features Wi-Fi, Google Play, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports for connectivity.
In addition, the company also unveiled HD Android TV which is available in both 32 inch and 40 inch panel. The M40E6 model offers Full HD viewing experience whereas M32E6 is and HD TV. Equipped with thundering sound, clear picture quality and giving vibrant colors, these models are a smart entertainment package. The new TV range is designed simple and elegant providing a seamless transition from one scene to another. In terms of connectivity, the TV offers three HDMI, one USB and produces 8*2W RMS audio output. Add on feature, Dolby technologies bring the television a new era of quality sound. The 32 and 40 inch TV is available for Rs 29,790 and Rs 35,990 respectively.
Metz Brand also Launched Smart Home Appliances, with Unique Features, Integrated with its Advanced Technology Television.
Johnny Wang, President, Skyworth & Metz Overseas said, “We being one of the flagship company in LED TVs market in China are happy to acquiring Metz, a famous German brand, backed with German innovative and advanced technology. Along with the acquisition, it is also a great announcement to enter in India which is third largest market in the world for LED TVs. With burgeoning middle class, increase in high disposal income, steady and confident macro and micro Indian economic condition, and with increase in TV viewership India market for LED Televisions is poised for substantial growth. Entering in the market at this time, Skyworth and Metz aims to provide the highest customer satisfaction with technologically advanced products, high quality and value for money.”
Elaborating on the launch, Amitabh Tiwari, CEO, said “Metz brand is technologically advanced and innovative brand, with German engineering perfection. Under the global expansion plan for Skyworth, the launch of Metz brand in India, is very strategic decision. Indian Market is now ready for technologically advanced premium models of LED TVs, and high end appliances. We are very confident that contemporary design, technology, product innovation, the value delivery by Metz brand, will be a great success in Indian Market. Metz brand will be made available across all formats of distribution network for ease and convenience of buying.”
Commenting on the launch, Gopal Adhikarla, Director said, “Indian consumers are opting for advanced technology, high quality and premium products in LED TV and appliance category. Metz and Skyworth will delight the aspiring Indian consumer by delivering it at a great value. We have expertise in understanding customer needs, designing and integrating technology in the product for highest customer expectation. We will be making our quality products in highly reputed and well spread out - multiple formats of distribution network, with attractive financing schemes, will ensure ease of buying. We will match high speed delivery of product with efficient after sales service for fastest installation in the industry, to delight our customers. Metz and Skyworth will relentlessly focus on delivery of highly innovative, technologically advanced products across LED Televisions and Smart appliances. ”
Bundled with precise picture, colour quality, simple look and easy-to-use smart features, the new range allows consumer to access all content in one place. Please find below the specifications of the models.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently handed over contributions to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy and Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan for rebuilding Kodagu District (Karnataka) and parts of Kerala post the recent flood and landslides.
This voluntary initiative along with the Toyota Group companies, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s dealer partners and employees amassed strong support for swift relief activities currently being undertaken by the authorities.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Toyota has always been at the forefront of supporting the society in addressing critical social concerns. Further to the assessment of the on-ground realities and magnitude of the devastation, Toyota Kirloskar Motor jointly with its employees, opened the collection drive, who wholeheartedly coming forward to donate a day’s salary along with the company contributing an equal share to the affected regions.
In order to aid the Karnataka and Kerala flood victims, Toyota Kirloskar Motor extends needful support in terms of car repair. Some of the key highlights of such initiatives were:
- Priority vehicle repair
- Free roadside assistance [doorstep pick-up and drop of repair vehicles]
- Discounts on spare parts and labor charges
- Free car spa [includes interior and exterior car treatments]
- Additional benefits for new car sale [total loss vehicles owing to the disastrous flood scenario]
Toyota stands with the states of Karnataka and Kerala and pray for the prosperity and restoration of normalcy during these difficult times, wishing speed recovery of the affected regions.
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, provides endpoint security solutions to Syndicate Bank, securing nearly 25,000 endpoints across its 4,000 branches, through Trend Micro OfficeScan protection. The solution suite with integrated data loss prevention (DLP) module, was deployed in partnership with CMS IT Services, who successfully implemented the solution across all endpoints in 60 days.
Syndicate Bank, having a Pan-India presence, required an endpoint security solution to be deployed ‘in-motion’, ensuring no impact to regular operations. The solution also had to be deployed effectively, taking into account bandwidth prioritization to other systems during business hours, and by leveraging an efficient centralized deployment system. Being named a ‘Leader’ in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Trend Micro, with proven capabilities in high-fidelity machine learning and behavioural analysis in endpoint security, helped meet their requirements. Trend Micro OfficeScan was deployed swiftly and effectively.
Speaking on the deployment, Nilesh Jain, Vice President – Southeast Asia and India, Trend Micro, said “Syndicate Bank decided to seek multi-dimensional protection by securing a robust endpoint protection and data loss prevention solution, with advanced security against ransomware attacks and unknown threats. They approached us and we offered an apt solution to suit their needs and protect their endpoints. Trend Micro OfficeScan, powered by XGen security, constantly learns, adapts, and automatically shares threat intelligence across the endpoint environment. This provides a blend of threat protection, which is delivered via an architecture that uses endpoint resources more effectively.”
“The lightweight plug-in DLP module, which protects sensitive data and prevents data loss via endpoints, SaaS applications, messaging, cloud storage, and web gateways, has helped protect 6,000 endpoints of Syndicate Bank, out of the 25,000 endpoint devices. This integrated DLP module has minimized complexity and reduced the cost of data security, enabling easy tracking, and securing all confidential data from multiple points within the organization and in the cloud,” he further added.
Syndicate Bank selected Trend Micro’s endpoint solution suite based on the system of tenders, along with rigorous evaluation of the various technical capabilities of the solution that was conducted via a proof of concept and pilot penetration testing.
“With the increasing ransomware outbreaks and cybercrime attacks in the financial sector, we wanted to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure virus definitions were updated on all endpoints at all times across all geographies. We chose Trend Micro as it had an advantage of a high penetration in the financial sector, due to the bespoke architecture suited for the banking and financial services environment. We are extremely satisfied with Trend Micro and their powerful endpoint protection suite, which now protects our endpoints against advanced ransomware, malware, Trojans, worms, spyware, etc., including adaptation to protect against new unknown variants as they emerge, and safeguards against data loss and theft,” said the GM IT from Syndicate Bank.
After implementing Trend Micro OfficeScan, Syndicate Bank’s endpoint devices gained threat protection with file reputation, variant protection, web protection, and exploit prevention. The DLP module is a complimentary endpoint solution that secures private data on-or-off network, including encryption of files before it leaves the network. It further offers protection against data leaks via cloud storage, USB drives or connected mobile devices, Bluetooth connections, and other media.
As part of the country’s single largest comprehensive data-sharing exercise on traffic patterns to improve urban mobility in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Uber today launched Movement in Bengaluru, following successful launches in Delhi and Mumbai.
Inaugurating the Bengaluru leg of this multi-city initiative, insights from Bengaluru-traffic patterns were showcased in the presence of Prof. Rajeev Gowda, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
Speaking at the launch, Prof Gowda said, “The Government of Karnataka has always been innovation-friendly and will definitely embrace tools that can help enhance mobility planning in Bengaluru. By providing insights into how people get around the city, Uber Movement has the potential to further support informed policy decisions and strengthen a data-led approach to urban planning. In this era of big data, we can extract information around traffic trends and help measure the impact of extended metro lines, first/last mile connectivity options, traffic interventions, etc. It’s good to see the private sector sharing its data publicly in the interest of solving mobility challenges cooperatively. I wish Uber Movement all the best.”
One case study, “Examining the impact of Metro on travel times in Bengaluru: Baiyappanahalli- Whitefield extension” uses data to calculate the impact of the eastern expansion of the Purple Metro Line in Bengaluru, comparing peak travel times from Bagmane tech park, Baiyappanahalli to Kadugodi, Whitefield between 1st January 2017 to 31st March 2017, against 1st January to 31st March 2018. The study points to a ~13.5 % increase in the AM peak travel time, and a slightly higher increase of ~16.4% in the PM peak travel time between the two periods, suggesting an increase in congestion on the route.
The data observes a significant difference in the peak travel times during the weekdays as compared to the weekend, with weekday AM travel time being ~57% more than the weekend. Interestingly, the study also estimates that the average travel time in the first quarter of 2020 will be upwards of 57 minutes.
After a detailed analysis, the tool reveals that post the expansion of the metro line, there will be a ~21% decrease in travel time between the areas near both ends of the metro route, hinting at potential solutions to incentivize multiple last-mile and first-mile connectivity options alongside the metro to smoothen overall travel times.
Besides a reduction in travel time, there will also be an expected reduction in stress, noise pollution and carbon emissions in the city, suggests the study. What’s interesting is that the data approximates a reduction in the cost of travel as well through low-cost last and first mile options as compared to that on-road, depending on the cost of fuel at that time.
Christian Freese, Uber spokesperson said, “Through sustained efforts by our mapping team, we have been able to gather large amounts of traffic and congestion data for Bengaluru. We are excited to launch this platform and its benefits for Bengalureans to encourage better infrastructure, city planning and data driven policy solutions that will utilize technology to make the city more efficient. Together with the government, civil society and other stakeholders, we aim to continue playing a key role in solving for urban mobility challenges in Bengaluru.”
Other data sets from Uber Movement reveal interesting insights on travel time during peak hours. Peak hour traffic in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata almost doubles the travel time along some popular routes. Similarly, data reveals an adverse impact on travel times during festivals. The study showcased a 30% increase in travel time between Vasant Kunj to Lajpat Nagar during Dhanteras (October 17, 2017) in Delhi and over 20% hike in travel time throughout the capital.
According to an April 2018 study by consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled, “Unlocking Cities: The impact of ridesharing across India”, traffic congestion during peak hours in four major cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata — costs the economy a whopping $22 billion annually. Further, on average, travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes than their counterparts in other Asian cities during peak traffic times. In fact, peak-hour congestion, which implies the additional time taken during peak traffic to travel a given distance, in these four Indian cities is estimated at 149%, much higher than the Asian average of 67%.
"This kind of data from the private sector can help solve public problems. With our collaboration with Uber Movement, we are trying to do more than just putting data in the public domain. We will build tools for different city entities - Metro, BMTC (Bus service), BDA, BBMP and others, to help them make decisions based on the data too." - Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, Founder, Mapunity
“As cities grow, India is going to see a complete change in the way urban governance is conceptualised - it will require administrators and representatives at the municipal level to make ever more complex political choices on resource allocation, requiring data to make informed decisions. I see Uber Movement as an important, open-source tool to enable such decision making.” - Alok Prasanna Kumar, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
“The problems that India's overcrowded cities face are so vast that policy makers need to develop new frameworks built around analysis of data for better informing decision-making. Uber Movement is one such platform for data, and with usage by administrators, I see it helping in identification of, and addressing traffic choke points in cities.” - Nikhil Pahwa, Founder, Editor MediaNama
“Uber Movement is first of its kind of an effort by a cab aggregating service to publish near real-time open mobility data in India. This will be immensely helpful tool for laying a strong foundation for data-driven urban planning and policies in key cities in India. With such rich data, we can together work and innovate to improve traffic conditions, safety, public transit, road infrastructure, curb air pollution and more.” - Gaurav Godhwani, Director & Co-Founder, Civic Data Lab
DiGiSPICE, a trusted strategic partner in the digital transformation of private and public enterprises as well as governments, has announced the launch of ‘Horizon’, its telecom service management platform, in Indonesia. Rolled out for the service providers of the country’s 2nd largest telecom operator Indosat. Horizon is a fast, cost-efficient and reliable way to publish, deliver and manage rich content and digital experiences.
The business platform enables customer interaction over digital and conventional channels with its ability to manage and deliver digital experiences and content to any screen or device. It also enables sharply targeted marketing activities including campaigning and recommendation engine, thereby making it a frontrunner in combatting the challenges that the Value-Added Services realm currently faces.
Speaking on the launch of Horizon, Dilip Modi, Founder and Chairman of DiGiSPICE said, “With our extensive experience of running telecom services in India and creating highly-effective telecom-focused IT solutions, we understood the need for a platform that could bridge the gap between large telecom companies and the Value-Added service providers.”
“Horizon has been created to cater to this very need and we are pleased to announce its launch in the high-growth Indonesian market with one of its most prominent telcos, Indosat. While Indosat brings on board its strong customer base, brand recognition and credibility, Horizon will enable the partner on-boarding process, offering app and content management services to them, besides providing access to much-needed business intelligence and analytics tools,” he added.
The Value-Added Services (VAS) space is currently riddled with its fair share of challenges. These include fraudulent and unscrupulous charging, huge OPEX and CAPEX costs, insufficient service innovations, multiple access codes leading to subscriber confusion and old technology, amongst others. Horizon addresses these in multiple ways. From the service delivery perspective, it ensures seamless content management, service flow and increased subscriptions. The Compliance Centre offers enhanced customer satisfaction, faster reconciliation for incorrect charging and ensures service credibility. Our adoption of Blockchain Technology further strengthens our relationship with partners by creating trust, transparency & accountability.
Its smart campaign manager also allows for easy management and scheduling of multiple campaigns through an innovative multi-channel support. Service providers can employ a targetted approach to customer outreach by offering users convenient access to their favourite services. VAS Analytics further offers product recommendations and service credibility insights, in addition to helping the service provider with insightful Data Analytics via machine learning & AI. After the launch in Indonesia’s fast-growing telecom market, DiGiSPICE will look at rolling out the platform in other emerging global economies in the near future.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire Two Roads Hospitality, an international lifestyle hotel management company with a unique collection of distinctive brands, properties and a robust development pipeline around the globe.
Through the addition of Two Roads, its established lifestyle brands and the management agreements for the majority of its 85 properties in eight countries, Hyatt will expand its brand presence into 23 new markets while enhancing its offerings in lifestyle hotel experiences and wellbeing. With Two Roads and its distinctive collection of lifestyle hotels, resorts and vacation residences, Hyatt will offer an expanded and more powerful portfolio of brands with best-in-class offerings to deliver compelling experiences and benefits for guests and World of Hyatt members, expand its relationship with valued hotel owners, and drive growth for shareholders.
“Hyatt and Two Roads share a commitment to genuine care and delivering distinctive experiences to discerning travelers. We are pleased to be coming together, and are dedicated to learning from each other and taking the best of both organizations forward,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Two Roads’ passionate team members, strong brands, global footprint and robust development pipeline will expand our lifestyle offerings and grow Hyatt’s brand presence in more places where our guests and World of Hyatt members want to travel. Importantly, combining Two Roads’ meaningful brand presence and development plans in Asia with Hyatt’s already strong position in this region will allow us to accelerate expansion in this critically important and fast-growing part of the world.”
The acquisition consists of a base purchase price of $480 million, with the potential for Hyatt to invest up to an additional $120 million in the aggregate, contingent on the outcome of certain terms to be individually defined after closing. The base plus contingent total purchase price is expected to reflect an EBITDA multiple of approximately 12-13x stabilized 2021 earnings, which Hyatt considers the best indicator of valuation based on anticipated synergies and growth.
Consistent with Hyatt’s long-term growth strategy to drive shareholder value, this investment in a high-growth, capital-light platform accelerates Hyatt’s evolution to a more fee-driven enterprise, funded by proceeds from an asset disposition program in which real estate has been monetized at an average multiple of approximately 16.5x EBITDA to date. Notably, Hyatt is making this growth investment in a year in which it has committed to return approximately $800 million of shareholder capital through a combination of share repurchases and a cash dividend.
After the close of the transaction, which is expected later this year, Hyatt will create a dedicated lifestyle division as a catalyst to bring together the operations of Two Roads’ and Hyatt’s lifestyle brands. “Hyatt is an ideal home for us as we share many values and a deep commitment to thoughtful growth and creating compelling experiences for our guests,” said Jamie Sabatier, chief executive officer, Two Roads Hospitality. “Hyatt’s unique position in the marketplace brings with it the powerful benefit of global scale while maintaining meaningful personal relationships with team members, guests and owners.”
Hyatt will provide additional information related to the acquisition, including a preliminary estimate of 2019 earnings accretion, on its third quarter earnings call scheduled for October 31, 2018. Hyatt plans to integrate Two Roads brands into the World of Hyatt program in 2019, expanding opportunities for World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points across more leisure-focused stay options and also driving hotel occupancy from a loyal group of travelers who spend more, stay more and book directly.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Hyatt; Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Two Roads Hospitality; Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to Hyatt; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal counsel to Two Roads Hospitality.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. Hyatt plans to include Two Roads’ properties in its World of Hyatt loyalty program, but such properties are not currently participating.
Acer has announced refreshes of its Predator Orion 9000 and 5000 gaming desktops, all featuring new 9th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, giving gamers a leap in performance for smooth, seamless gameplay — even while streaming and recording.
“With the new 9th Gen Intel Core processors delivering up to 8 cores and 16 threads, the Predator Orion series desktops provides gamers with an arsenal of PCs that can withstand the most demanding gaming scenarios today,” said Jeff Lee, General Manager, Stationary Computing, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “The refreshes are in line with Acer’s longstanding commitment to empower users with the latest technological breakthroughs, and provide them with best-in-class user experiences.”
“The new 9th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, featuring our flagship Intel Core i9-9900K, deliver the industry leading real-world performance that gamers demand,” said Anand Srivatsa, Vice President of the Client Computing Group, Intel. “The new Acer Predator Orion series desktops are incredible machines, and by harnessing the gaming performance delivered with the latest Intel Core processors, together we’re delivering premium gaming experiences.”
Powered by 9th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, the Predator Orion series gaming desktops are performance PCs designed for the serious to hardcore gamer. The Predator Orion 5000 is a gaming powerhouse for users who need an exceptional gaming rig, while the Predator Orion 9000 is a gamer’s dream machine aimed at the most demanding users, with top-of-the-line NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GPUs[i].
Predator Orion 9000 Series: The Ultimate Gaming Machine
With up to 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K processors and planned support for the new Intel Core X-series processors, the Predator Orion 9000 is the ultimate gaming PC. It features up to the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti GPUs, and supports over 8K UHD graphics. A black and silver chassis gives it a spacecraft-like casing that glows with customizable ARGB (Addressable RGB) lighting bars and RGB LED fans. The prominent side window showcases the impressive interior with a design that keeps electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels in check despite the size of the opening. Acer’s IceTunnel 2.0 expels heat through an advanced airflow management solution that separates the system into several thermal zones, each with an individual airflow tunnel.
Predator Orion 5000 Series: Serious Gaming Performance
The Predator Orion 5000 gaming desktop features up to 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K processors and up to the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 GPUs. Just like the Predator Orion 9000, the Orion 5000’s chassis has the signature transparent side panel to show off its powerful internals and includes the IceTunnel 2.0 airflow management design to keep the system cool.
