Hindware Appliances Launches Disruptive Range of IoT Appliances for Connected Homes

* Expands existing IoT range with addition of Elara iPro water purifier and Hindware Agnis iPro air purifier

Somany Home Innovation Limited, makers of ‘Hindware Appliances’, has expanded its Internet of Things (IoT) product portfolio with addition of futuristic, intelligent, and connected home appliances – Elara iPro Water purifier and Hindware Agnis iPro Air purifier. The products are priced at INR 18,990 and INR 16,990, respectively and will be available on Evok.in, and on leading e-commerce website – Amazon India, and select retail stores of Delhi/NCR.  Last year, Hindware Appliances forayed into Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart appliances segment with its iPro range of products to deliver an enhanced 'consumer experience' backed by cutting-edge technology. The iPro range (Achelous Premium iPro’ water purifier, ‘Optimus iPro’ chimney and ‘Ondeo Evo iPro’ water heater) are now upgraded with Amazon Alexa feature to give a complete hands free experience using voice commands.

All IOT enabled smart Hindware appliances can be seamlessly managed from anywhere at any time through Hindware Appliances app, that will assist users in operating, monitoring and controlling the products remotely, auto diagnose, troubleshoot and register service requests at the touch of a button. Also, the users get the convenience of going completely hands-free, by the Amazon Alexa feature inbuilt with the product.

Hindware Elara iPro water purifier comes with Advance Copper+ technology that purifies water by activating adequate amounts of copper ions which kill harmful bacteria, microbes, and fungi in water, making it free from impurities, and rich in minerals. The smart water purifier also provides real-time TDS of purified water and monitors a household’s daily water consumption for a healthy living. The appliance is synced with Hindware’s mobile app and indicates filter life, for timely replacement. The Wi-fi direct technology in the water purifier enables communication even without an active internet connection at home. This smart 7 stage purification expert also has an In-tank UV LED, so that users get 100% pure water all day long.

Hindware’s Agnis iPro air purifier also has Wi-Fi Direct feature and is equipped with intelligent geo fencing technology, that identifies your mobile phone in 4-5 km radius of your house and performs the pre-set command.  Equipped with a high grade ‘True HEPA Filter’ and ‘4D Suction technology’, Hindware Agnis Air Purifier removes 99.95% of particles - such as dust, mould, allergens and viruses, and is capable of filtering even the minutest particles - even eight times smaller than the PM 2.5 - at great speeds. The smart air purifier comes with convenient features like a real-time PM 2.5 meter, air quality indicator, Filter life, Scheduler, Sleep mode, Auto mode, etc, which can easily be operated and adjusted using the mobile app or through Amazon Alexa or touch panel of the air purifier.

Mr. Rakesh Kaul, CEO & Whole Time Director, Somany Home Innovation Limited (SHIL), said, “With the faster digital adoption, increased penetration of internet in day-to-day life and availability of smart affordable devices India has emerged as a hot bed for IoT products. The current ecosystem is giving rise to the applicability of Internet of Things (IoT), where everything is connected. Smart, remote-controlled, and connected appliances allow us to remain in close contact with consumers throughout the lifespan of the product. With addition of two more IoT products, we are strengthening our initiative of massification of technology providing futuristic devices and solutions. The possibilities for connected devices and IoT technology at home or in our workspaces are endless, and we are working to bring more such smart products to the market.”

Our vast presence and industry experience align us with evolving aspirations of homeowners and consumers. We are nimbly leveraging technology and marketing expertise to enrich living. Our digital engines are rapidly translating consumer data into actionable insights. The launch of our IoT products to automate appliance control, strengthens our product suite with new offerings and it positions us to digitally enhance spaces, he added.

The futuristic range of intelligently integrated iPro consumer products, marked Hindware Appliances’ foray in the fast-emerging IoT segment, and is paving the way towards building smart homes through our IOT Eco System - Hindware Konnect. Premium products developed for early adapters and evolved users of smart home automation. Each of the products are designed to simplify lives with smart automation while offering unparalleled features like Geo-fencing and Wi-Fi Direct, and Alexa-controlled in our range of smart appliances.

Hindware Appliances is one of the fastest-growing consumer products company in the country with largest range of IOT enabled connected appliances providing customers with offerings ranging from water heaters and water purifiers to air coolers, air purifiers, fans, and kitchen appliances, which are all relevant in the modern consumer lifestyle of today, with each contributing to make better homes a reality in India. Currently, Somany Home Innovation Limited (SHIL) has a network of over 9,250+ retail outlets, 700+ distributor partners and our network of more than 800 modern retail stores across India. Recently, the company expanded its product category into IoT enabled appliances across water purifiers, water heaters, air purifiers and chimneys. 

RenewBuy, InsureTech Company to Target 300 M People Across India

After successfully reaching out to almost 2 million customers, with its presence across 600 districts in the country, RenewBuy plans to take the market leader positioning with the launch of its new brandcampaign. The campaign is aimed at building brand awareness across the country, amongst masses and its core users, who are the insurance advisors.

RenewBuy is India’s second largest InsureTech company, with a vision to make insurance simple and accessible to everyone. Throughits digital, branchless model, RenewBuy plans to expand its outreach to 1000 districts in the next two years. The brand campaign will help inreaching out the brand’s core proposition to the consumers.

Speaking on the campaign launch, Balachander Sekhar, Founder and CEO, RenewBuy said, “It is our vision to simplify insurance and make it accessible to all Indians. Insurance is one sector which has a huge latent need but there is lack of awareness and easy access. Due to its complex product structures and physical, branch-led distribution model, insurance is highly under-penetrated in the country, especially in Tier 2 & 3 cities. Our company has been established with the vision to bridge the insurance supply gap, and make it reach out to every corner in the country through a highly transparent and digitally enabled POSP advisor led model. The last five years have been a testimony to our growth story. Our new brand campaign aims to bring alive our core proposition for the consumers.”

The campaign which has two short films will be launched by RenewBuy this year end, with a geo-targeting strategy. While one film is aimed at connecting with the urban millennials, the other one has a fun driven Indian connotation to bring in connect with every household in Tier 2 and 3 cities. The two ad films for the campaign are a step towards generating awareness around the ease of access to get insurance digitally.

Speaking on the marketing strategy of the ads, Mr. Devesh Joshi, Chief Marketing officer at RenewBuy said, “Digital today is the most viable option as it has deep penetration into the urban and rural India. Post Covid, there has been a sea-change in the digital content consumption pattern, wherein, the consumption has almost doubled in the last six months. We are launching the ad films on YouTube, which has an outreach of more than 300 million viewers in the country.RenewBuy is trying to address the unaddressed insurance needs, where there is demand but lack of supply, hence we have devised the urban and rural strategy.”

Commenting on the ad film conceptualization, Mr. Joshi said, “Our research shows that women are playing an important role in key household decisions and especially for insurance. Hence our films have portrayed strong women protagonists who are helping the family take the right decision.”

The concept behind the ad films is to break the long-standing notion that men are more aware of financial services and products. With a sense of women empowerment incorporated in both the ads, they highlight about RenewBuy’s insurance advisors making the whole process of insurance easy and seamless through its digitally enabled, transparent and simple model. RenewBuy’s insurance advisors make it easy for consumers to understand insurance products and hence make the right decisions.

About RenewBuy

RenewBuy is the fastest growing full-service digital insurance platform in India. Having established their leadership in motor insurance category, the company now offers Health Insurance, Life Insurance and Travel Insurance. The company has revolutionized the category by simplifying the way insurance is bought, sold, and serviced in India. Since its inception, the company has on-boarded more than 35,000 POS partners and insured more than two million customers across 600 cities and towns. Using technology as an enabler, the company has created differentiation in consumer experience and service, as well as in the geographical expansion of the sector.

Jaguar Takes F-Pace SVR To The Next Level with Enhanced Performance and Design

* Pinnacle of performance: Jaguar’s 550 PS 5.0 l V8 Supercharged petrol engine features a revised torque curve that raises peak output to 700 Nm and powers F-PACE SVR to a higher 286 km/h top speed, with lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency

* Quick off the mark: Heightened torque output and new Dynamic Launch function cut 0-100 km/h time by three-tenths of a second to just 4.0 s

* Uprated braking: Improved cooling and pads deliver enhanced brake performance, while new Integrated Power Booster and retuned pedal feel provide added driver confidence

* Race-inspired exterior: New front bodywork influenced by SV’s significant motorsport experience reduces lift by 35 per cent, lowers drag and amplifies F-PACE’s assertive stance

* Luxurious sports interior: All-new crafted interior features selection of exclusive performance-focused materials for a luxurious and sporting cabin environment

* Always connected: Pivi Pro dual-sim infotainment technology is accessed through an all-new 28.84 cm (11.4) HD curved glass touchscreen and enables Software-Over-The-Air capability

The new Jaguar F-PACE SVR is now faster, more dynamic and more refined than ever. The pinnacle of the performance SUV range is elevated to another level thanks to the latest enhancements by the Jaguar SV team.

The updates are delivered by a combination of new hardware and the move to Jaguar’s advanced Electronic Vehicle Architecture – dubbed EVA 2.0 – and include motorsport-inspired design details, a luxurious and performance-focused interior and the latest connected convenience technologies.

Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations, said: “The original F-PACE SVR was incredibly characterful, well received by customers and has gone on to become the highest-selling Jaguar SV product ever. The new version builds on this success, by making numerous detailed improvements that combine to raise the bar in the high-performance SUV segment.”

The new F-PACE SVR is available exclusively with Jaguar’s 5.0 l V8 Supercharged petrol engine, which produces 550 PS and 700 Nm torque – an increase of 20 Nm. This uplift in torque delivers enhanced performance, with the F-PACE SVR capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 s, three-tenths faster than before, and a top speed of 286 km/h – an increase of 5 km/h.

The powertrain now features the same torque converter used in the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 super saloon, to withstand the higher loads produced. As well as the improved torque and acceleration, CO2 emissions are reduced from 281 g/km to 275 g/km with fuel economy now up to 12.2 l/100 km*.

The transmission and dynamics systems have also benefitted from incremental tweaks. The uprated Dynamic mode features unique tuning, delivering a focused and honed driving experience. A new Dynamic Launch feature also uses driveline inertia to maintain power to the wheels during gear changes, contributing to the SVR’s sharper acceleration from a standstill. At the same time, F-PACE SVR is now more comfortable and enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace, without compromising its high-speed dynamics, further underlining the new model’s duality of purpose.

The steering system is enhanced with a new electronic power-assistance system delivering greater immediacy, providing a heightened connection between the vehicle and driver. Modified tuning of the adaptive damping provides a more refined ride at low speeds, which is further improved by revised chassis bushes.

Drivers also benefit from improved brake feel in the new F-PACE SVR. The 395 mm (front) and 396 mm (rear) two-piece disc brakes are now supported by a new Integrated Power Booster which, along with a recalibration of the system, delivers a sportier and shorter brake pedal. This tuning is specific to the SVR performance flagship, while the brake system uses a new electric booster system. The improved cooling and aerodynamics of the vehicle also improve the performance of the brakes, giving the driver even greater confidence.

The 5.0 l V8 Supercharged petrol engine is paired with Jaguar’s ultra-responsive, smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission which delivers rapid gearshifts for effortless performance, while adapting the way power is delivered to suit the driving situations.

Paul Barritt, F-PACE SVR Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar SV, said: “The move to Jaguar’s new Electrical Vehicle Architecture gave us the opportunity to revisit the calibration of every single component, so we took the chance to fine-tune the driving experience to make it feel even more focused and even more refined. Those thousands of detail changes take the F-PACE SVR to the next level.”

Jaguar’s All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics is fitted as standard. Adaptive Dynamics suspension technology ensures a precise, dynamic set-up coupled with a supple ride, while Configurable Dynamics provides enhanced driver appeal by enabling the driver to set up the vehicle to suit their personal preferences. A stopwatch, G-Meter and pedal graph also help the driver to monitor performance in Dynamic mode.

The design of the new F-PACE SVR is inspired by SV’s motorsport experience, with enhanced airflow and aerodynamic benefits delivered through new apertures and vents for improved powertrain and brake cooling. The changes deliver superior aerodynamic performance including 35 per cent reduction in aerodynamic lift, while drag is cut from 0.37 Cd to 0.36 Cd. As well as the performance enhancements, these elements also provide a more purposeful aesthetic.

The interior of the new F-PACE SVR is comprehensively redesigned, with materials enhanced to heighten the dynamic character of the revised cabin and its controls.

Seat and door inserts are finished in Alcantara, with elements such as the central cubby and leather midroll wrapped in luxurious Windsor leather. The 31.1 cm (12.3) HD Interactive Driver Display is wrapped in Alcantara with ebony stitching, while aluminium patterned finishers feature as standard with open-pore carbon-fibre available as an option.

Optional slimline semi-aniline leather sports seats with heritage logo-inspired diamond embroidery across the front shoulder section, feature a unique perforation across the backrest, while the same pattern is used on the leather on the seatbacks. An embossed SVR logo on the headrests adds a final flourish.

Jaguar’s new Drive Selector has a more performance-focused feel for the F-PACE SVR, finished in dimpled leather with heritage logo-inspired detailing and debossed SVR logo. The new SVR split-rim steering wheel is finished with tactile zinc-alloy shift paddles, providing heightened driver engagement when making manual gear changes.

New F-PACE SVR features all of the advanced technologies found in the latest F-PACE, ensuring it is always connected and always up-to-date for enhanced driver convenience. These include intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment, Software-Over-Air capability, Active Road Noise Cancellation and the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and optional wireless device charging.

*All emissions and fuel economy figures are EU – WLTP (TEH) Combined

Note:  The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2 and fuel economy, figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted. 

EVM Introduces India' First Laptop Charging 20000 Mah Powerbank

Pin Peripherals Pvt Ltd, Mumbai headquartered leading vendor of Computing and Mobility products and the brand owners of EVM, has introduced a first of its kind 20000Mah PowerBank that can easily charge modern day C Port based laptops. Nicknamed ENLAPPOWER, this small yet a powerful device through its USB C type connector on board will help power users never go out of power.

Introducing The powerbank, Yagnesh Pandya, EVM India Sales Head and one of the pioneers in devising new tech products said, "We are very happy to introduce ENLAPPOWER bank that will create a new market for the ever growing power hungry users in India. We have developed and manufacturing this product through the guidance of our Honourable Prime Minister of India through his guidance on Atmanirbhar Bharat".

This outstanding product can charge up to 3 products simultaneously through USB C type connectors, it comes with 4-feet long cable for easier management, its Ultra-Black Premium Metal body lends a classy look ideal for gifting purpose - not forgetting the usability that it offers. Being high on power - it does provide users viability to carry on flights without bothering to shift in cabin baggage.

To provide users, the best-in after sales support ENLAPPOWER comes with a unique 3-year warranty, another first of sorts in its category. To further add on the already top-of-the-line features - ENLAPPOWER also comes with a pick-up and drop facility for its post-sales.

Few laptops which are compatible with poweberbank Macbook, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, iPad, iPad Pro, MS Surface Pro, Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360, Lenovo IdeaPad, LG Gram, Asus Zenbook 13 and many more. Amongst the mobile brands the list is equally exhaustive and includes Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Google Pixel, Nokia, RealMe Pro, LG, Motrola etc.

The price of ENLAPPOWER is 9999 and as comes with 3-year warranty and will be available exclusively through Vijay Sales across India.

Punjab National Bank Launches PNB LenS to Speed Up Loan Delivery

* The online processing and sanction of credit proposals upto Rs.10 lakh under the Mudra Scheme including MSME loans (fresh/renewal/enhancement/ review) through PNB LenS. 

* Envisaged to all kind of loans - MSME, Agriculture, Retail & other credit in phased manner. 

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, today launched a tech-based loan management solution called PNB LenS - The Lending Solution, to speed-up and maintain accuracy in online loan processing and sanctioning of credit proposals. 

Post-merger, it was paramount to have a stringent loan management solution, which can be used for activities related to lead capturing, loan appraisal, sanction, and documentation. PNB started development/customization of an IT-based solution PNB LenS - The Lending Solution for loan management. It facilitates field functionaries in uniform and consistent appraisal methodology to improve due diligence standards.  

The main purpose behind the PNB LenS is to standardize the system, process and appraisal formats for loan processing, speed up the process of credit sanctions, auto-generate loan documents for each type of credit facilities, reduce delay, cost, and human errors involved in manual processing, digital record maintenance, security & data privacy, and ready to use monitoring and MIS reports for better tracking and transparency. This system is envisaged to be implemented in a phased manner for all kinds of loans - MSME, Agriculture, Retail & other credit.  

Processing and sanction of credit proposals upto Rs.10 lakh under the Mudra Scheme including MSME loans (fresh/renewal/enhancement/ review) shall be done through PNB LenS w.e.f. 01.12.2020.  

Nestlé POLO Launches New Product Offerings in the Indian Market

Nestlé POLO launches 3 new packs to further strengthen its proposition of ‘POLO keeps you cool’. Priced at the popular price point of INR 10, these new packs are aimed at offering more product propositions to the young consumers:

• The new Nestlé POLO Extra Strong with a stronger mint made with Menthol and peppermint flavor, is your ideal companion for times when you need that extra cooling.

• The new Nestlé POLO Paan comes with green colored rings to give consumers a modern, cool experience of Paan, which they can enjoy anywhere, anytime.

• NESTLÉ POLO also now comes in an attractive new packaging with a refreshing micro tale to bring a smile to the consumer.

Commenting on the new initiative, Nikhil Chand, Director - Foods and Confectionery, Nestlé India said, “Over the last many years, NESTLÉ POLO with its unique proposition of Mint with a hole has provided unmatched freshness and cooling for millions of Indian consumers. In the current context, everyone is going through a lot of stress as they are forced to live restricted lives without friends, without doing the things they love and at the same time, deal with various uncertainties. POLO with its unique shape, taste and freshness and a witty brand language, encourages consumers to look at the positive side of everything; and thereby stay cool.”

The new POLO range will be available in outlets across the country.

Castrol India Appoints Deepesh Baxi as New CFO & Wholetime Director

Castrol India Limited, India’s leading automotive lubricants company, today announced that Deepesh Baxi will succeed Rashmi Joshi as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Wholetime Director, as she steps down from her current position on 31 December 2020.

Deepesh who is currently Financial Controller for Castrol’s businesses globally will take up the role and join the Board on 1 January 2021. Rashmi will move to another leadership position in bp after having served Castrol India for seven years as CFO and Wholetime Director. Rashmi and Deepesh will work together between now and the end of December to ensure a seamless transition.

Castrol India Chairman Mr R Gopalakrishnan said, “Rashmi has played a key leadership role offering financial stewardship and strategic insights to the business as it undertook several successful transitions during her tenure as CFO. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Rashmi for all she has done for Castrol India and extend a warm welcome to Deepesh.”

Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director, Castrol India added, “Having worked with Rashmi for close to a year now, I value her financial expertise, strategic guidance and commitment to strengthen the financial health of the business. I wish her success in her new role and look forward to working with Deepesh who will bring his rich, cross-cultural global experience to lead the strategic financial agenda for Castrol India.”  

Deepesh is a Chartered Accountant with over two decades of industry and consulting experience, having spent the last 18 years in various roles within bp. He is also an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from Institute of Internal Auditors, USA. He has worked in international markets including UK and Asia Pacific in several leadership roles spanning across finance, strategy, M&A, planning, audit, risk & compliance as well as business transformation.