News

More in News

• Microsoft offers cloud customers AMD alternative to Nvidia AI processors

  As well as Nvidia's top-shelf AI chips, Microsoft's cloud computing unit sells access to its own in-house AI chips "Maia". Separately, the Cobalt 100 processors Microsoft plans to preview next week offer 40% better performance over other processors based on Arm Holdings' technology, the company said. Snowflake and others have begun to use them.

  

• Top luggage firms see slower growth in Q4

  Samsonite, Safari, and VIP Industries faced growth declines in India. Samsonite's business fell 10%, Safari's growth slid to 21%, and VIP Industries saw sales taper to 14%. China regained Samsonite's top market position post travel restrictions. Neetu Kashiramka discussed industry growth, and the shift towards hard luggage was highlighted in a RedSeer report.

  

• Biocon Chief reveals company's key priorities in FY25

  Despite competition in key US market, Biocon has been able to grow market share of three products from FY23 to FY24 - Fulphila (pegfilgrastim), used to reduce the chance of infections for patients undergoing chemotherapy from 14% to 21%; anti-breast cancer drug Ogivri (trastuzumab) from 10% to 18%, anti-diabetes Semglee (insulin glargine) from 10% to 19% (including closed managed care).

  

• Microsoft to give risk data on AI or face fines: EU

  Microsoft has poured billions into OpenAI, a major player in AI, especially since the ChatGPT chatbot burst onto the scene in late 2022. The commission, the EU's powerful competition regulator, is examining Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI to see if it is a disguised merger. It is also inspecting a 15-million-euro ($16-million) partnership Microsoft struck with French startup Mistral AI announced in February.

  

• TRAI to hold Open House on OTT communications

  Under the Telecom Act, 2023, only very limited and narrowly defined cases, including spectrum for walkie-talkie for police organizations, radar for weather forecasting, radar and communication for ships, communication for space and satellite applications, communication and radar for the Army, Air Force and Navy and state-owned telecom corporation like BSNL, airwaves will be given on administrative basis.

  

• TV companies sway advertisers with ad tech and AI

  Displays arrayed around Pier 36 in Manhattan showcased the breadth of Prime Video's streaming content, including one that rained dollar bills from the ceiling to promote a forthcoming reality competition from YouTube personality Mr. Beast that offers a $5 million prize. Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, called Amazon a "one-stop destination" for entertainment and said it delivers ads to more than 200 million global customers, 115 million of whom live in the U.S.

  

• Zee Entertainment reports Q4 profit

  ZEE-ENTERTAINMENT-India's Zee Entertainment reports Q4 profit as advertising demand picks up. Total income grew about 3% to 21.85 billion rupees, while overall expenses fell about 2%, primarily due to a decline in programming and technology costs. Sony had scrapped its $10 billion merger with Zee in January, ending a deal that would have created an Indian TV juggernaut with more than 90 channels across sports, entertainment and news.

  

• EU bans distribution of four Russian news outlets

  The European Union said on Friday it was suspending the distribution of four Russia-linked media outlets in the EU, despite a warning from Moscow this week that any such move would draw swift retaliation.

  

• TikTok moves closer to take on YouTube, Elon Musk’s X with this ‘new’ feature

  TikTok is testing 60-minute video uploads for creators to share longer content like cooking demos and tutorials. The trial includes support for long-form videos such as TV show episodes, as reported by TechCrunch.

  

• Deepika Padukone inspires youth to capture in style with Tecno

  The TV commercial captures the brand’s innovative spirit and dedication to delivering extraordinary visual experiences, all under the motto “See What Has Never Been Seen Before.”

  

• Wipro’s COO Amit Choudhary resigns; Sanjeev Jain appointed as successor

  Both Chenchah and Choudhary joined Wipro when former CEO Thierry Delaporte was the CEO. All three (Delaporte, Choudhary and Chencha) joined Wipro from the French IT consulting major Capgemini.

  

• Sony and Apollo take key step in bid for Paramount's assets

  Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management have signed nondisclosure agreements with Paramount to acquire the company for $26 billion, amid competition from Skydance and National Amusements. Paramount, with assets like CBS, is facing pressure from Shari Redstone to sell the entire company. George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins are interim executives at Paramount following Bob Bakish's departure.

  

• Bundling is back, in the streaming era

  This passes on the cost of producing low revenue-generating TV programming on to viewers by pitching a bouquet instead of individual channels that stand on their own in terms of pricing. It's less competitive, and invites the scrutiny of broadcast regulators working to improve consumer choice. The new JV, called Venu Sports, is naturally undergoing antitrust evaluation before services come on stream.

  

• Indian consumer market sees significant drop in average buyer age across cars, smartphones, and TVs

  Over the past 5-6 years, the average age of Indian consumers purchasing cars, premium smartphones, and large televisions has decreased significantly, indicating a shift towards younger demographics. Major car manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, and Mercedes-Benz note a decline in the average buying age from the 40s to the mid-30s, with over 70% of electric car buyers being in their 20s and 30s. Similarly, the average age for purchasing Apple iPhones and large-screen televisions has dropped from the 30s to the late 20s to early 30s.

  

• IPL fever boosts bar and pub business amid sweltering heatwave

  As the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs commence, bars, pubs, and cafes are capitalizing on the surge in fan interest. The ongoing heatwave is driving cricket enthusiasts to seek air-conditioned comfort in these establishments rather than enduring the sweltering stadiums. Businesses are offering live screenings, stadium-like atmospheres, sports menus, cocktails, and team merchandise. Despite alcohol-free dry days during elections in Mumbai and Delhi-Gurgaon, establishments expect strong turnout, emphasizing the social experience.

  

• Amazon, Flipkart to have quick commerce play in certain categories: Delhivery CEO Sahil Barua

  Quick commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are venturing into ecommerce categories such as fashion, electronics, home appliances and luggage, and go beyond just daily essentials and groceries.

  

• Rethinking brand loyalty: Strategies for building trust and retention in today's market

  Businesses can no longer rely solely on brand recognition to retain customers. As consumer behaviour and expectations evolve, trust and personal connection with those selling the product become central to building long-term relationships and customer success. The author explores effective strategies for companies to implement to enhance trust and improve overall customer retention.

  • Exclusive

  

• MDH, Everest and will Indian spice lose its flavour

  There is a red hot debate whether Indian spices are good for the health of the world. Back home in the spice capital of the world, food safety regulator FSSAI still maintains that stringent norms are being followed. As country after country puts up a red flag on Indian packaged spice brands, what’s the future like?

  • Exclusive

  

• Consumer groups accuse Chinese app Temu of manipulation

  European consumer groups on Thursday accused Chinese shopping app Temu of using "manipulative techniques" to make users spend more and other violations of a landmark EU tech law. They believe Temu is distorting or impairing consumers' ability to make "free and informed decisions" while shopping online, in violation of the EU's mammoth online content law known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).

  

• Google unleashes AI in search, improving results

  The AI overviews are supposed to only crop up when Google's technology determines they will be the quickest and most effective way to satisfy a user's curiosity — a solution mostly likely to happen with complex subjects or when people are brainstorming, or planning. People will likely still see Google's traditional website links and ads for simple searches for things like a store recommendation or weather forecasts.