Sony Launches Immersive Open Back Monitor Headphones For Spatial Sound Creation And Condenser Microphone For Studio Recording

* The MDR-MV1 pairs accurate spatial sound field reproduction with the quality and comfort desired by sound engineers and creators. New entry level C-80 builds upon the legacy of Sony’s professional microphones to offer high quality sound at an accessible price

Sony announced the MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones, designed for professional sound engineers and music creators. The headphones combine sound quality with long-lasting wear and reliability. Their open back design enables accurate reproduction of a wide sound field, making them a suitable option for mixing and mastering immersive spatial sound, such as 360 Reality Audio, as well as stereo sound with hi-resolution capability. Sony also announced a new microphone for home studios, the C-80, a uni-directional condenser microphone ideal for vocal/voice recording, instrumental recording, vlogging, webcasting and podcasting. This new product inherits the technology of Sony’s revered C-800G and popular C-100 microphones, making high quality sound even more accessible.

“With the rise in spatial sound and high-quality streaming music services, we are seeing a demand for headphones that can adaptably address and enrich all of these immersive needs,” said Shohei Toyoda, Head of Audio Business, Sony India. “Sony’s deep heritage in audio is on display with the introduction of the MDR-MV1, a flexible and stylish new option for home or studio use. The headphones prioritise comfort, showcase Sony’s craftsmanship and provide long-term durability while offering users the ability to accurately reproduce sounds, as the artist intended them to be heard.”

MDR-MV1 Headphones

1.    Sound Characteristics

The MDR-MV1 offers extended spatial sound reproducibility and accurate sound object positioning within a 360-degree space, as well as clear, hi-resolution, nuanced sound with a super-wide frequency range and accurate soundstage. The headphones’ uniquely developed driver units provide ultra-wideband playback (5Hz – 80 kHz) with natural high frequencies. This makes it easier for professionals to capture localization, spaciousness and detailed changes in sound processing.  The open back structure of the headphones reduces internally reflected sounds and eliminates acoustic resonances while accurately reproducing natural, rich spatial information and sounds. These robust features support their use in professional mixing and mastering environments while accommodating audio engineers’ highest standards.

2.    Comfort and Design

Engineered with comfort in mind, the MDR-MV1 feature breathable earpads and are intentionally lightweight, soft and fitted to provide a pleasant wearing experience, even after hours of use. The MDR-MV1 includes a high quality replaceable, detachable cable with machined aluminum connectors and a stereo mini-jack adapter for ease of use in a professional setting.

C-80 Microphone

1.    Key Features of the C-80

The C-80 inherits the essence of Sony’s revered C-800G and popular C-100 microphones, utilising the microphone capsule derived from the C-100 and a two-part metallic anti-vibrational body structure used in the C-800G. Its "Noise Elimination Construction" also prevents microphone body acoustic vibration, resulting in low noise and clear sound. A dual diaphragm configuration is also present within the C-80, suppressing sonic changes with distance (proximity effect) and allowing more stability in the vocal recording process.

2.    Sonic Characteristics of the C-80

Tight and rich mid-range capture in the C-80 provides a vocal sound with a clear core and presence, allowing vocals to stand out even when mixed with other instrumental sounds. The C-80 also provides a realistic reproduction of the characteristics of an instrument, such as the sound of guitar strings and the resonance of the body, and a natural and clear recording is achieved by suppressing boomy low frequencies and noise when close to the microphone.

Price and Availability

The MDR-MV1 headphones and C-80 microphone will available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores and other e-commerce website in India from 3rd July 2023 onwards.

L&T Technology Services Joins Forces With Palo Alto Networks As MSSP Partner For OT Security Offerings

* Partnership to offer comprehensive security platform for OT and address industrial segments

L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a leading global pure-play engineering services company, announced it has partnered with Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, to provide enterprises in diverse verticals with security services and solutions in 5G and Operations Technology (OT) areas.

Under the agreement, LTTS will become a Palo Alto Networks Managed Security Services Partner (MSSP), delivering a suite of security services to end customers in industrial verticals. LTTS’ security solutions encompass 5G, OT and IT/OT Converged SOC services.

By joining forces with Palo Alto Networks, LTTS will enable end customers to address security risks in their OT environments, providing best-in-class security. The new MSSP agreement will provide a managed service offering for Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security solution, allowing customers to outsource the day-to-day management of their OT security to LTTS. Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security is built to provide comprehensive visibility and security powered by AI/ML for OT assets and networks, 5G connected assets, and remote operations.

The partnership between LTTS and Palo Alto Networks also aims to provide comprehensive 5G-Native Security solutions that utilize AI and ML technologies to combat advanced cyber threats in the operational technology (OT) environment. This collaboration offers scalable and real-time security measures for 5G networks, providing customers enhanced visibility and control over their network slices, private networks, and multi-access edge computing.

LTTS has over a decade’s demonstrable expertise in designing robust IoT/OT and IT security converged project execution capabilities. Through the recent merger of L&T’s Smart World and Communication (SWC), LTTS has bolstered its security offerings portfolio with Security Operations Centers (SoC) and SoC-as-a-Service including Managed SOC services and Cyber Security Advisory services. The joint team will support customers across the world with SoCs which have 24x7 monitoring capabilities, while also offering OT cybersecurity and product security credentials to address the demands of the global cybersecurity market.

Commenting on the partnership, Anand Oswal, Senior Vice President, Network Security, Palo Alto Networks said, “We built our Zero Trust OT Security solution to provide accurate, context-rich visibility of all assets, comprehensive risk assessment and built-in policy enforcement — with zero operational downtime. We are pleased to partner with LTTS so that customers receive dedicated OT security support and services in a variety of industrial verticals, helping them to effectively protect their OT environments from the latest cyber threats.”

Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services said, “We are delighted to join hands with Palo Alto Networks as the MSSP partner and look forward to working with end clients to ensure that security is embedded across manufacturing networks and critical OT assets. Our integrated suite of 5G security solutions will help identify all assets, prevent security threats and protect complex OT environments, thereby creating a secure environment for organizations to thrive and flourish.”

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) is a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited focused on Engineering and R&D (ER&D) services. We offer consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 of the world’s top ER&D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and the process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 22,200 employees spread across 22 global design centers, 28 global sales offices and 99 innovation labs as of March 31, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.LTTS.com/

MAHE, Manipal Vice Chancellor Inaugurates Workshop On “3D Bioprinting For Biomedical Applications” At Its Research Centre

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal inaugurated the three-day hands-on workshop on “3D bioprinting for Biomedical Applications” here at Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research (MCBR), MAHE, Manipal. This workshop is first of its kind at Manipal and the participants would be trained for generating the G code, designing the 3D structures and made aware of printing software for 3D bioprinting.

Presiding over the function, Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh said “3D bioprinting is an important area of translational research that would benefit many medical disciplines including orthopaedics, dentistry, dermatology, etc. We are in the exciting times that the benefits of 3D bioprinting would soon result in better patient care.  I hope we would soon be able to print oesophagus, trachea, liver, and other parts of the body. I complement industry partner “Alfatek Systems” for collaborating with MAHE to offer a truly hands-on workshop. I wish the workshop all success and the participants a great hands-on learning experience.

Chief Guest of the function Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, also a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, shared his experiences using 3D printed bone implanted for orthopaedic applications. He wished that 3D bioprinting will find wide application in medical field and also in food industry. 3D printing of meat is a rapidly growing industry now, he added. 

Mr Sumant Bhutoria, Proprietor, Alfatek Systems, Kolkata and convenor of the workshop shared the importance of 3D bioprinting and its applications in healthcare. Dr Anil Kumar, Scientist G, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science & Technology, Trivandrum is participating as one of the resource persons and other resource persons from Switzerland and Finland would deliver online talks.

Dr Raviraja N S, Professor & Coordinator MCBR and the Organizing Chairman of the workshop welcomed the gathering and explained the thrust areas of research at MCBR. Dr S V Kirthanashri, Associate Professor at MCBR & the workshop convenor gave a brief preamble of the workshop. About 10 participants from leading biopharma companies and research institutions are participating in the workshop. Dr Raghavendra Upadhaya, Assistant Professor MCBR & workshop Co-convenor proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Jahnavy Joshi, DST Inspire fellow & Research Scholar, anchored the inauguration program.

JK Tye Banmore, MP Plant Capacity Expansion (1st Phase) Inauguated

·         The company announces the completion of its first phase of capacity expansion of its radial tyre manufacturing facility with an investment of Rs. 312 crore

·         This expansion will result in a 31% increase in the plant's annual output capacity, from 39 lakh to 51 lakh units

·         The second phase of expansion is expected to be completed by April 2024 with an additional investment of Rs. 617 crore, further increasing the production capacity by 31%

Indian tyre industry major and market leader in the radial tyre segment, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., has announced the completion of the first phase of capacity expansion of their manufacturing facility located in Banmore, Madhya Pradesh. This was inaugurated by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in presence of Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, and Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel.

With an investment of about Rs 1000 crore, the company has planned a two-phased expansion at its existing Banmore facility to cater to the increasing demand for passenger car radial (PCR) tyres. The phase one expansion, involved an investment of Rs 312 crore. The expansion will increase the annual production capacity of the plant by 31%, from 39 lakh to 51 lakh units per annum.

JK Tyre is now in the second phase of expansion, with an additional investment of Rs 617 crore that will increase the capacity by an additional 31% by April 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said, "The expansion of this manufacturing facility reflects our unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and our substantial contribution to the growth story of Madhya Pradesh. As India enters ‘Amrit Kaal,’ - the 25-year journey towards country’s centenary as a modern, developed democracy, we at JK Tyre believe this development to be a strategic move. This is vital as Indian economy engages with the global economy to foster regional prosperity. Our production and manufacturing capabilities are constantly evolving along with our product in order to meet the demands of our customers, both domestically and internationally."

"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the local administration for their unwavering support. We remain steadfast in our mission to be a trusted mobility partner for the entire nation,” he further added.

Over the years, the 211-acre facility has emerged as a significant landmark, spearheading industrialization in the region and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for nearly 15,000 individuals in the state. This expansion will generate additional employment for over 7,000 people in the region, resulting in increased regional economic growth.

JK Tyre plant at Banmore has contributed significantly in the field of health, adult literacy, livelihood enhancement, rural development, promotion of local sports which has benefitted the lives of communities in the vicinity. 

The company is highly committed to its strong sustainability goals, making it a green manufacturer. It has adopted a "Cradle-to-grave" strategy to handle environmental challenges with the aim to "Be a Green & Trusted Mobility Partner." To decrease its environmental impact, the company gives sustainability top priority in its R&D efforts. JK Tyre has set a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

The JK Tyre plant in Banmore has been an integral part of the company's incredible journey since it commenced in 1991 and has developed into an advanced manufacturing facility. This state-of-the-art facility serves customers both domestically and internationally, manufacturing top-notch high-tech products such as eco-friendly tyres, smart tyres, and puncture guard tyres. These innovative offerings not only promote safe driving practises but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

About JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.

The flagship company of JK Organisation, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is amongst the top 22 manufacturers in the world with 12 globally benchmarked ‘sustainable’ manufacturing facilities - 9 in India and 3 in Mexico – that collectively produce around 32 million tyres annually. Pioneers of radial technology, the Company produced the first radial tyre in 1977 and is currently the market leader in Truck Bus Radial segment. The Company provides end-to-end solutions across segments.

JK Tyre’s unwavering commitment towards innovation is reflected through its state-of-the-art global research and technology centre the “Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence” in Mysore, which houses some of the world’s finest technologies and techniques.

JK Tyre secures ‘Best in Class’ rating in ESG performance - CareEdge has undertaken ESG rating of the Company. In recognition of its superior environment, social and governance practices, JK Tyre has been rated as the best among peers, in the sub-industry category of tyre.

JK Tyre recently was awarded the most coveted Safety award in the world -the Sword of Honour for Safety across its plants by the British Safety Council, UK. JK Tyre also received award to be among the India’s top 30 Most Sustainable companies, organized by Business World. For more information, visit www.jktyre.com

TKM, ReNew Energy Global Inaugurate Newly Set-Up 27.2 MW Group Captive Solar, Wind Renewable Energy In Vijaynagara, Karnataka

* (Phase 1 of this visionary initiative entails development of solar and wind energy capacity, totalling to 20.6 MW & Phase 2 encompasses a further 6.6 MW of wind energy generation)

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reinforcing its commitment to the ‘Global Environmental Challenges 2050’, today inaugurated the 27.2 MW Group Captive Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Project, which is established through a joint venture with ReNew Energy Global Plc, located at Kudligi Taluk, Vijaynagara district of Karnataka State, home to TKM’s existing solar plant. Commencing today, the green power generated through this project will be exclusively channelled to TKM, leading to an expected reduction of 51 kilo ton/year in CO2 emissions. The momentous occasion was graced by the representatives from Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Sudeep S. Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director and Chief Communication Officer and Mr. Rahula Kashyapa, Vice President, Business Development - B2B Business, ReNew, along with the other executives from both the companies.

Notably, this latest accomplishment further reaffirms TKM's sustained achievement of 100% Renewable Energy in grid electricity since June 2021. By offsetting a cumulative carbon footprint of 117 kilo tons between April 2021 and March 2023, TKM has demonstrated its strong commitment to conserve the ecosystem throughout the entire life cycle of its products, manufacturing operations, and services. Today’s significant milestone marks Toyota’s continued dedication to enhance its renewable energy use, aimed at realising ‘Carbon Neutrality’.

Given Toyota’s business growth, the energy requirement for its manufacturing operations have proportionately increased in the past years. This new renewable energy set-up will cater to such additional green electricity needs of TKM. Furthermore, this collaborative endeavour exemplifies TKM's ongoing pursuit to minimise its carbon footprint and safeguarding the environment towards building a carbon neutral society.

“We are delighted to partner with Toyota Kirloskar Motor and support them in their endeavour to adopt sustainable energy sources. ReNew is committed to being a catalyst for global energy transition toward Net Zero and will offer innovative solutions to companies to decarbonize their operations and support their climate goals”, said, Mr. Rahula Kashyapa, Vice President, Business Development - B2B Business, ReNew.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudeep. S. Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director and Chief Communication Officer of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “We are delighted to announce the 27.2 MW Group Captive Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Project, which signifies our unwavering dedication to adopt renewable energy and enhance our green manufacturing operations. All our vehicles are manufactured using green energy source. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment towards reducing carbon emissions, thereby supporting India in achieving its Net Zero Carbon Emission targets.

TKM’s green energy sourcing which started with mere 6.0% in the year 2014, now boasts of 100% achievement. Over the years, with these remarkable green energy interventions, we have been able to substantially minimise our carbon footprints in our plant operations”.

In 2017-18, TKM took a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in renewable energy by installing a rooftop solar power plant and ground mount facilities with a combined capacity of 8.2 MW at its Bidadi premises. Additionally, TKM established an 18 MW Open Access installation in a dedicated solar park outside its factory premises through ReNew. These initiatives have enabled TKM to gradually increase its renewable energy procurement since FY2014, ensuring sustenance in renewable energy supply for its plant operations.

With the inauguration of the 27.2 MW Group Captive Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Project, TKM’s total cumulative green energy adoption is 53.4 MW. By adopting such green initiatives, TKM is strongly focused to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission in Manufacturing’ much before its global target timeline of 2035, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable business practices.

PM Narendra Modi’s US State Visit Creates Unmatched Opportunities For India’s Techade: IAMAI

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) expresses its heartfelt gratitude to honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for enabling tech collaborations which will create unmatched opportunities for the advancement of India’s Techade and avenues for cooperation, partnerships, and investments.

Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India’s tech sector has seen significant growth thereby unlocking investment opportunities, proliferating start-ups and job creation.  The proliferation of start-ups and job creation is a crucial aspect of the technology sector's growth and development. Start-ups play a significant role in driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities. India has emerged as a global leader in the creation of digital public goods, which will unlock the potential and drive the creation of an inclusive digital economy.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister had announced in 2021 that this decade would be “India’s Techade”, and in alignment with this commitment, the public and private partnerships orchestrated during the state visit are both historic and tectonic, giving an unmatched fillip to India’s tech progress. 

This visit unlocked opportunities across sectors including defence, space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, telecommunications, and consular services. These will play a critical role to realise India’s vision of a 1 trillion dollar digital economy.

Welcoming the announcements made by both Hon’ble PM and the Hon’ble US President,  Harsh Jain, Chairman of IAMAI said, “Fostering an open, accessible, safe and secure technology ecosystem will enhance the capability of the entire technology ecosystem of India. It is not only a historic moment for India in terms of attracting huge investments in technology, but also an opportunity to create      Indian IP in the areas of emerging technologies which will transform the entire ecosystem . IAMAI members will certainly benefit from greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between industry, government, and academic institutions across India and the United States.”

About Internet and Mobile Association of India

Established in 2004, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body and the country's only organization representing the digital services industry with over 500 Indian and multinational corporations as its members, which include established companies in diverse sectors of the digital ecosystem as well as start-ups. Its mandate is to expand and enhance the online and mobile value-added services sectors. It is dedicated to presenting a unified voice of the businesses it represents to the government, investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. IAMAI represents varied sectors such as digital advertising, digital entertainment, traveltech, online gaming, digital payments, fintech, digital commerce, edtech, healthtech, agritech, big data, ML, AI & IoT, AR/ VR, logistics-tech and so on.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bags Prestigious Technological Or Digital Innovation of the Year Award At The Awards Asia 2023

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has won the prestigious award at THE Awards Asia 2023 for its exceptional achievements in higher education in Asia. The institution was awarded the highly esteemed Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year accolade at THE Awards Asia 2023. This recognition further solidifies MAHE's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the technology and digital landscape.

The Awards Asia is a distinguished program that acknowledges outstanding accomplishments in higher education throughout Asia. This year, more than 220 institutions from over 20 countries and territories participated, submitting almost 700 entries. A panel of esteemed external judges meticulously evaluated the submissions and selected MAHE as the winner in the Technological or Digital Innovation category.

The award-winning innovation by MAHE is the revolutionary E-Pad system, which has transformed the examination process for students. This cutting-edge system allows students to submit their exam responses digitally using a stylus. By leveraging the power of digital technology, MAHE has streamlined the examination process, providing students with a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

The award ceremony took place on June 21, 2023, during the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit held in Hong Kong. The event brought together distinguished leaders, educators, and innovators in the higher education industry to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of institutions across Asia.

Commenting on this momentous achievement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said “Our commitment to innovation, technology, and digital advancement has led us to this remarkable accomplishment. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire MAHE team for their hard work and dedication. We will continue to push for excellence and inspire future generations through our pioneering initiatives”.  

E-Pads are biometric exam writing instruments that are specially made and totally secure. It improves the exam-taking experience for the student and gives the Controller of Examinations (CoE) additional authority over logistics and security. By boosting evaluators' efficiency and accuracy of marking, the evaluation process will also be improved.