Archives 2026

business

Medanta Ranked India’s Best Hospital by Newsweek

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Business Wire India

  • Named No. 1 in the country in list of ‘World’s Best Hospitals 2026’
  • Among top global healthcare institutions for the seventh year running

 

Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, operated by Global Health Limited, has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in India in Newsweek’s prestigious ‘World’s Best Hospitals 2026’ rankings, conducted in partnership with Statista Inc. This marks the seventh consecutive year that Medanta has featured among the world’s leading hospitals, reaffirming its leadership in healthcare excellence.

 

The 2026 rankings evaluated 2,500+ hospitals across 32 countries, including India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The assessment was based on recommendations from thousands of medical experts, patient experience data, hospital quality metrics, and a Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Implementation Survey — ensuring a comprehensive and patient-centric evaluation framework.

 

Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, said, “Being recognized as the No. 1 hospital in India is a testament to our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centric care. At Medanta, we continuously strive to pioneer advanced therapies, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and improve outcomes while making world-class healthcare accessible to all, in line with our guiding philosophy ‘Har Ek Jaan Anmol’, meaning ‘Every Life Is Invaluable’.”

 

Medanta’s continued recognition underscores its steadfast focus on medical innovation and digital transformation. Through strategic investments in AI, robotics, and automation, the hospital integrates advanced infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies to enhance clinical outcomes and patient experience. It remains committed to advancing research, pushing medical frontiers, and delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to patients across India and beyond.

 

Link to the survey: https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-best-hospitals-2026

business

Kioxia Appoints Yoshihiko Kawamura as Chief Financial Officer

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Business Wire India

Kioxia Holdings Corporation (TOKYO:285A), a world leader in memory solutions, today announced the appointment of Yoshihiko Kawamura as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 1, 2026.

 

Mr. Kawamura brings extensive international experience to Kioxia, having held assignments at Mitsubishi Corporation’s U.S. headquarters, served as General Manager of its Chicago office, and completed a tenure at the World Bank. At Hitachi, Ltd., he held senior leadership positions, including Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Risk Management Officer (CRMO), where he was instrumental in leading the company’s management reforms. Since joining Kioxia as Executive Vice President in June 2025, Mr. Kawamura has worked closely with the executive team to advance the business through strategic capital and financial planning.

 

 

Following its initial public offering on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2024, Kioxia is entering a new phase of growth characterized by business expansion and financial improvement. Under this new leadership, the company will pursue sustainable growth and enhanced financial soundness to drive long-term corporate value.

 

 

Comment from Nobuo Hayasaka, President and CEO:
“As Kioxia enters this new phase, I am confident our growth will be further solidified with Mr. Kawamura as CFO. His extensive leadership experience and outstanding knowledge in capital and financial strategy will be invaluable to our executive team.”

 

 

Comment from Yoshihiko Kawamura, incoming Chief Financial Officer:
“I am honored to take on this important role. I am committed to working with the management team to further enhance our corporate value and deliver on the expectations of our stakeholders for continued business growth.”

 

 

* This announcement has been prepared to provide information on our business and does not constitute or form part of an offer or invitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities in any jurisdiction or an inducement to engage in investment activity nor shall it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract thereof.
* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

 

 

About Kioxia

 

 

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia’s innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.

 

 

 

 

 

business

Art of Time Launches CIRCA

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Business Wire India

Art of Time announces the launch of CIRCA, a new experiential luxury retail concept that reimagines how premium watches are discovered, understood, and owned in India. Designed as a gateway into the world of fine watchmaking, CIRCA brings together iconic global timepiece brands within an immersive, story-led environment that celebrates craftsmanship, personal milestones, and individual journeys with time.

Derived from the Latin word meaning “around” or “approximately,” and widely used in horology to mark moments in history, CIRCA reflects the brand’s philosophy of time as the hero. More than a retail destination, CIRCA is conceived as a space where watches become markers of identity, celebrating first luxury purchases, meaningful milestones, and lifelong collecting journeys.

As India’s luxury market continues to mature, a new consumer mindset is emerging, one that values meaning over status and experience over transaction. Today’s buyers are equally driven by curiosity, emotional connection, and accessibility as they are by heritage and craftsmanship. CIRCA is designed to meet this shift head-on, offering a welcoming, confidence-led environment for both seasoned collectors and first-time luxury watch buyers.

Rooted in the legacy and expertise of Art of Time, CIRCA bridges the gap between aspiration and ownership. The experience is built on four core pillars; inclusive, trustworthy, delightful, and refined, ensuring that every visitor feels guided rather than gated. Whether someone is purchasing their first luxury watch or adding to a growing collection, CIRCA places education, storytelling, and personal relevance at the centre of the journey.

A key element of CIRCA’s offering is Chronica, a proprietary digital discovery layer designed to personalise the customer experience. Acting as a digital companion, Chronica helps decode individual preferences, milestones, and styles, guiding customers through their watch journey in an intuitive and meaningful way.

By combining human expertise with thoughtful technology, CIRCA makes luxury watch buying feel approachable, informed, and deeply personal.

From concierge led private consultations and curated showcases to phygital touchpoints and community-driven events, CIRCA moves beyond traditional retail formats to create a cultural ecosystem where horology intersects with lifestyle, emotion, and self-expression.

Speaking on the launch, Gaurav Bhatia, Co-Founder & Director, Art of Time, said: “Most of us remember our first luxury watch and the feeling behind it. With CIRCA, we wanted to recreate that for a new generation of watch buyers. It’s not just about collecting watches, but also about assisting people in discovering this milestone, their personal style, and their own relationship with time.”

Bharat Kapoor, Co-Founder & Director, Art of Time, added: “Art of Time has always been built on trust and relationships, and CIRCA is a natural extension of that. It’s designed to make fine watchmaking feel more approachable, especially for a new generation taking their first step into luxury.”

“As part of its expansion roadmap, CIRCA launched its first store in Noida, followed by a Rado boutique opening in Ahmedabad in March 2026, with more locations planned across key urban markets, premium malls, and high-street locations. Each space is envisioned as an immersive destination, reflecting CIRCA’s focus on thoughtful design, curated discovery, and long-term engagement with India’s evolving luxury consumer.”

At its heart, CIRCA represents a new feather in Art of Time’s cap, one that builds on the group’s legacy while shaping the future of luxury watch retail in India. A place where heritage meets innovation, where watches tell stories, and where every journey with time begins.

business

Cowellnex and Metagen Launch Joint Research Utilizing Independently Acquired High‑Precision Gut Microbiota Data

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Business Wire India

Cowellnex Co., Ltd. (Cowellnex)—jointly established by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings)(TOKYO:2503) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin)—and Metagen, Inc. (Metagen), which promotes end-to-end innovation from gut environment R&D to social implementation, will begin joint research in February 2026 to develop new test items based on gut microbiota data from Japanese individuals, as well as an algorithm (mechanism) that proposes foods suited to each person based on these test items.
This research will leverage Cowellnex’s independently acquired, high‑precision gut microbiota data obtained through shotgun metagenomic analysis*1—one of Japan’s most detailed gut microbiota tests—accumulated over approximately three years through its “MicroBio Me”*2 service. The companies aim to commercialize and introduce the resulting new testing services to the market in the future.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260226353314/en/

 

 

*1

  

 

Confirmed by Kirin in January 2026. Shotgun metagenomic analysis is a testing method that comprehensively measures gut bacteria and enables analysis at the most detailed taxonomic levels—species and strain—as well as the genes of each bacterium.

*2

  

(Japanese only) https://microbiome.kirin.co.jp/

 

Background of the Joint Research
Gut microbiota has been gaining attention in recent years from a health maintenance perspective. However, because the composition (types and ratios) of gut bacteria varies greatly among individuals, dietary approaches also differ. As a result, indicators that show the desired state of gut microbiota for each person and concrete action guidelines are not yet sufficiently developed.
The commonly used 16S rRNA gene analysis*3 helps grasp broad bacterial classifications but provides limited information compared with shotgun metagenomic analysis. Furthermore, methods academically established for test items or food recommendations based on gut microbiota data specifically for Japanese individuals currently do not exist.
Against this backdrop, expectations are increasing for more accurate gut microbiota testing and for testing items and personalized food recommendations based on such data.

 

*3

  

16S rRNA gene analysis is a method that mainly enables analysis up to the genus level within the bacterial taxonomic hierarchy.

 

Scope of the Joint Research
In the MicroBio Me business operated by Cowellnex, the company has accumulated highly precise data over approximately three years using shotgun metagenomic analysis, one of the most detailed gut microbiota tests available in Japan. Leveraging these data, Cowellnex will create new test parameters that take into account the characteristics of the gut environment of Japanese people, and will develop an algorithm (mechanism) that proposes foods based on those parameters.
In this joint research, Cowellnex will be responsible for providing data, formulating hypotheses for test parameters and food recommendations, and conducting acceptability verification. Metagen will be responsible for conducting metabolic pathway analysis*4 based on its expertise in gut environment research and bioinformatics, as well as for developing the algorithm (mechanism) for food recommendations. Through this joint research, it will become possible not only to identify which gut bacteria are present but also to predict the overall capability of the gut environment—including interactions among gut bacteria—to produce beneficial metabolites.

 

*4

  

A series of consecutive chemical reactions along metabolic pathways carried out by gut bacteria. Through these processes, dietary fiber is broken down and various metabolites are produced.

 

Future Prospects
Cowellnex plans to commercialize the results of this joint research as new testing services and launch them in the market. Even after the research concludes, Cowellnex will continue accumulating data and studying ways to utilize them, contributing to improving testing accuracy and developing ingredients that help regulate gut microbiota.
By leveraging its strength in high-precision data obtained through shotgun metagenomic analysis, Cowellnex will accelerate innovation in the gut microbiota domain and create a market for personalized gut health solutions based on gut microbiota composition.

 

About Cowellnex
Cowellnex Corporation was established in September 2024 as a joint venture between Kirin Holdings (50%) and Kyowa Kirin (50%).
Cowellnex creates innovation through mutual collaboration in research and development, venture investment, as well as business development, and is dedicated to supporting consumers achieve fulfilling lives by solving social issues related to health.

 

 

About Metagen
With the mission of “Make gut environment-based healthcare a new standard” the entire group aims to realize “zero-disease” through an approach based on the concept of Gut Design®.
Leveraging Metabologenomics®, our proprietary technology that enables a comprehensive and functional understanding of the gut environment, we provide end‑to‑end support—from cutting‑edge gut microbiome research to real‑world implementation—across three business domains: Research Value Enhancement, Product Development Support, and Science Public Relations.
We also operate Gut Design Project, a corporate collaboration community designed to co‑create a new “Gut design market.” As of December 2025, more than 40 companies have joined the initiative.

 

 

About Kirin Holdings
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.

 

 

Under its long-term vision “Innovate2035!”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourage behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group-wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well-being.

 

 

The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth in corporate value.
*Creating Shared Value: combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Wella Professionals launches ‘Glow From Within’ Campaign Film

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Mumbai, Feb 27:  Wella Professionals, a global leader in professional haircare innovation, has launched ‘Glow From Within’, a campaign film celebrating the Illumina Color City Collection: Mumbai Edition.

Wella Professionals launches ‘Glow From Within’ Campaign Film

 Inspired by Mumbai- a city of contrasts, ambition, creativity, and quiet strength, the ‘Glow from Within’ campaign captures the many moods of the modern woman. From cinematic glamour to soulful individuality and quiet power, each look reflects Mumbai’s spirit through luminous, natural-looking colour that truly glows from within.

Conceptualised in-house, with three signature looks created by the Wella India Ambassadors, the campaign film brings to life a glow-led colour narrative, positioning hair colour as a reflection of identity and individuality. Produced by Bombay Film Company, the film is shot across iconic Mumbai landmarks including the Gateway of India, Flora Fountain, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It showcases three signature looks that interpret the city’s glamour, creativity, and ambition.

The showcases three signature looks from the collection. Glam Glow draws inspiration from Bollywood glamour, featuring neutral and cool brown tones for a sophisticated, camera-ready look. Dreamer Glow reflects Mumbai’s softer, creative side, with delicate blends of cool blondes and natural browns for an ethereal, artistic feel. Power Glow channels the energy of confident working women, using cool browns and soft blondes for understated luxury and professional elegance.

Powered by Illumina Color’s violet base, Microtones Technology and Microlight Technology, the collection is designed specifically for Indian hair. It neutralises unwanted warmth, enhances clarity, and delivers multi-dimensional luminosity.

Commenting on the launch of the brand film, Pravesh Saha, General Manager, South Asia, Wella Company, said,

“With Glow From Within, we wanted to celebrate the spirit, individuality and ambition of women in Mumbai. This campaign is more than a product launch, it is a cultural expression of how hair colour can reflect personality, confidence, and self-expression. We look forward to expanding the City Collection and connecting with women through more city-specific narratives.”

The Mumbai Edition marks the first chapter of Wella Professionals’ city-inspired collection, with more city editions planned to celebrate individuality and the unique identities of women across regions.

news

The Body Shop Brings Back Cult Classic ‘Dewberry’

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India, Feb 27: The Body Shop, a British-born international ethical beauty brand, has announced the return of its globally loved Dewberry collection. First launched in the 90s, it became known as the scent that defined a decade. Now, Dewberry returns with all the nostalgic boldness and charm you remember, reimagined for a new generation. 

The Body Shop Brings Back Cult Classic ‘Dewberry’

Sparked by overwhelming demand from fans across the world, Dewberry is back with a fresh perspective. The new and exciting collection, with its unmistakable juicy notes, has been thoughtfully curated with modern textures and updated formulas. The perfect way to reawaken cherished memories of a thrilling era, while creating bold new ones today.  Infused with sustainably sourced Community Fair Trade ingredients such as Shea Butter and Sesame Seed Oil, the collection brings together The Body Shop’s legacy of ethical beauty with a vibrant, modern sensorial experience. 

DEWBERRY: A SCENTED JOURNEY

The fragrance is vibrant, uplifting, playful yet sophisticated, and ever so nostalgic. Top Notes: The journey begins with an instant burst of juicy dewberry, delicately intertwined with crisp green leaves and a cool touch of eucalyptus, evoking a sense of carefree energy. Heart Notes: A timeless floral symphony of jasmine, freesia, and white lily unfolds, adding a layer of soft, fresh sophistication that bridges the past and present. Base Notes: The scent settles into a comforting, grounding base of warm cedarwood and soft musk, leaving a feeling of quiet confidence; a gentle reminder that some scents stay with us, not just for their beauty but for the memories they carry.

Rahul Shanker, Group CEO, Quest Retail and House of Beauty said,

“The relaunch of the Dewberry collection through a modern lens celebrates joy, self-expression, and a love for nostalgic classics. The range invites our beloved customers to rediscover a familiar favourite that feels vintage, nostalgic, and fresh, all at the same time, and is a true embodiment of our heritage reimagined.”

The Dewberry range is available across The Body Shop stores and online

business

Verdant IMAP Advises Open Access Data Centres on South African Data Centre Acquisition

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Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb 27: Verdant IMAP is pleased to announce that it has advised on the acquisition of a portfolio of South African data centre assets from NTT DATA, by Open Access Data Centres a subsidiary of WIOCC Group.

NTT operate global technology and digital infrastructure platforms, and the assets form part of their South African data centre operations.

The transaction comprises seven data centre facilities, strategically located in key centres across South Africa, forming an important platform within South Africa’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. The assets support enterprise, wholesale, and cloud connectivity requirements and represent critical infrastructure underpinning the country’s growing digital economy.

The acquisition strengthens WIOCC Group’s position as a multi-regional digital infrastructure provider, expanding its footprint in South Africa while complementing its broader pan-African and international network and connectivity assets. The transaction enhances the group’s ability to serve its diverse client group, which includes hyperscalers, CDNs, network operators, ISPs, and enterprise clients with scalable, resilient, and carrier-neutral data centre capacity across multiple markets.

The transaction reflects continued investment momentum in African digital infrastructure, underpinned by sustained growth in data consumption, cloud adoption, and increasing demand for neutral, carrier-dense data centre facilities in strategically located markets.

The transaction has received approval from the Competition Commission of South Africa.

Verdant IMAP acted as financial adviser to OADC (A WIOCC Group Company). The transaction involved navigating a highly complex and negotiated process, including the resolution of complex commercial, legal, and structural considerations. The transaction required extensive coordination across financial, commercial, legal, and operational workstreams over a prolonged negotiation period, reflecting the complexity typically associated with large-scale digital infrastructure transactions.

Verdant IMAP operates as part of the global IMAP platform, a long-established international investment banking network with a strong presence across major markets worldwide. IMAP forms an integral part of Verdant IMAP’s business, providing access to global sector expertise, international best practice, and cross-border perspective that underpins the firm’s advisory capabilities across complex transactions in digital infrastructure, telecoms, fintech, and technology-enabled sectors.

The transaction builds on Verdant IMAP’s growing digital infrastructure advisory franchise, reflecting the firm’s continued focus on data centres, fibre networks, telecoms, and technology-enabled infrastructure assets across Africa. Verdant IMAP continues to advise on some of the region’s most complex digital infrastructure transactions, supporting both strategic and financial clients across the investment lifecycle. The transaction is Verdant IMAP’s fourth completed transaction for WIOCC Group. 

business

African Development Bank Group and African Union renew push for visa-free travel to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Feb 27 — African policymakers, business leaders, and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free travel across the continent, describing the free movement of people as essential to unlocking Africa’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The call was reinforced at a High-Level Symposium on Advancing a Visa-Free Africa for Economic Prosperity, co-convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.

Participants framed mobility as the missing link in Africa’s integration agenda, arguing that while tariffs are falling under AfCFTA, restrictive visa regimes continue to limit trade in services, investment flows, tourism, and labour mobility.

Alex Mubiru, Director General for Eastern Africa at the African Development Bank Group, said that visa-free travel, interoperable digital systems, and integrated markets are practical enablers of enterprise, innovation, and regional value chains to translate policy ambitions into economic activity.

“The evidence is clear. The economics support openness. The human story demands it,” he told participants, urging countries to move from incremental reforms to “transformative change.”

Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission, called for faster implementation of existing continental frameworks, describing visa openness as a strategic lever for deepening regional markets and enhancing collective responses to economic and humanitarian crises.

Former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma reiterated that free movement is central to the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063. “If we accept that we are Africans, then we must be able to move freely across our continent,” she said, urging member states to operationalise initiatives such as the African Passport and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol.

Ghana’s Trade and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, shared her country’s experience as an early adopter of open visa policies for African travellers, citing increased business travel, tourism, and investor interest as early dividends of greater openness.

The Symposium also reviewed findings from the latest Africa Visa Openness Index, which shows that more than half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure – seen by participants as a significant drag on intra-continental commerce.

Mesfin Bekele, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, called for full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying aviation connectivity and visa liberalisation must advance together to enable seamless travel.

Regional representatives, including Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community, emphasised the importance of building trust through border management and digital information-sharing systems.

Gabby Otchere Darko, Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, urged governments to support the “Make Africa Borderless Now” campaign, while tourism campaigner Ras Mubarak called for more ratifications of the AU Free Movement of Persons protocol.

Participants concluded that achieving a visa-free Africa will require aligning migration policies, digital identity systems, and border infrastructure, alongside sustained political commitment.

In a symbolic gesture, attendees signed a “passport wall,” signalling support for accelerated reforms to make movement across African borders easier for citizens.

The African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission said they will continue working with member states and regional bodies to advance coordinated approaches to mobility – seen as a cornerstone of Africa’s integration, competitiveness, and long-term growth.

news

Khao Galli A Curated Street Food Experience at Taj MG Road

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Khao Galli brings the vibrant spirit of Indian street food to an elegant dining setting at Taj MG Road, Bengaluru. The experience begins with refreshing welcome beverages and a selection of salads including Indian-spiced charred sweet corn salad and Murgh Chatpata. Comforting soups such as Chukandar aur Gosht ka Pudina Shorba and Gajar aur Adrak ka Soup set the tone, followed by interactive live stations serving Meen Varuval, Pudina aur Hari Mirch ka Murgh, momos, Kati rolls, and assorted pakoras.

Khao Galli A Curated Street Food Experience at Taj MG Road

 The main course features favourites like Awadhi Gosht Biryani, Malabar Fish Curry, and Kundapur Ghee Roast, complemented by vegetarian classics such as Methi Malai Paneer and Lahsuni Bhindi, along with select European offerings including oven-roasted potatoes with caramelised asparagus. A lively yet comforting spread that captures the flavours and energy of India’s streets.

Venue: The Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru

When: Every Wednesday

Timings: Lunch: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Dinner: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

technology

Noise Expands Master Series with Launch of Master Buds 2 with Sound by Bose Technology

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India, Feb 27 : Noise, India’s leading connected lifestyle brand, today announced that pre-bookings for Master Buds 2 with Sound by Bose technology, the next generation of its flagship Master Series are now live. Master Buds 2 marks the next phase of Noise’s premium audio journey, combining immersive sound, refined design, and intelligent features crafted for how people listen today.

Building on the success of the original Master Buds, Master Buds 2 reimagines what premium audio can deliver, across acoustics, comfort, and intelligent interaction, reinforcing Noise’s vision of making world-class audio innovation accessible to millions. It’s not a generational upgrade – but truly a category killer.

Sound by Bose Technology 

Building on the benchmark set by the first-generation Master Buds, Master Buds 2 introduces a more powerful and responsive audio experience designed around how people listen today.

The Master Buds 2 integrates Sound by Bose technology helping to deliver richer acoustics, deeper bass, clear mids, and crisp highs for a balanced and lifelike listening experience.

Category-Leading Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Master Buds 2 introduces Noise’s most advanced Active Noise Cancellation system to date – at its core is the all new cavity design, thoughtfully reengineered for unparalleled performance. This architecture delivers high-fidelity sound alongside best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation performance, enhancing noise isolation while maintaining audio clarity for deeper immersion across environments. 

Speaking on the launch, Amit Khatri, Co-Founder of Noise, said,

“Unveiling Master Buds 2 at a global flagship platform like CES 2026 was an intentional decision, it reflects our ambition to showcase Indian innovation on the world stage while building products that resonate globally. With the Master Series, our focus has always been on delivering premium audio experiences through our collaboration with Bose Corporation, while ensuring they remain accessible to millions. Master Buds 2 represents a reimagination of our flagship audio experience, not just an iteration, but a reinvention of how sound, immersion, and intelligent design come together for modern listeners. This is India designing for the world, raising the bar for what consumers can expect from flagship audio.”

Clear Voice Pickup with Sound+ Algorithm

Master Buds 2 enhances voice pickup through a precision-tuned Clear Call experience powered by the Sound+ algorithm. Supported by a 6-mic ENC system, the earbuds intelligently isolate speech while minimizing surrounding noise, ensuring your voice comes through sharp, focused, and clear across meetings, calls, and busy environments.

Designed for real-world conversations, surrounding noise fades into the background so users can communicate with consistent clarity wherever they are.

Immersive 360° Spatial Audio with Head Tracking

Powered by advanced audio processing, Master Buds 2 introduces 360° Spatial Audio with intelligent head tracking, creating a theater-like listening experience that adapts dynamically as users move. The feature enhances depth, positioning, and realism across music, movies, and gaming, making immersion feel natural and responsive.

Intelligent Audio, Powered by AI

Expanding the intelligent capabilities of the Master Series, Master Buds 2 introduces an AI Voice Chat Assistant, accessible through the Noise Audio companion app. Once activated via the app, users can interact naturally through voice to ask questions, receive real-time assistance, and manage everyday tasks seamlessly through their earbuds

Designed to function as an intelligent everyday companion, the feature enhances how users engage with audio, making interactions more intuitive, responsive, and integrated into daily routines.

Elevated Design, Built with Precision

Designed to deliver a truly premium experience, Master Buds 2 features a refined silhouette with clean, angular contours that enhance both aesthetics and ergonomics.

The earbuds showcase a metallic finish paired with a brushed metal disc and precision-cut detailing, creating a sophisticated visual identity while maintaining lightweight comfort for extended wear. Every element has been crafted to balance durability, tactile quality, and everyday usability.

Hands-Free Interaction with Head-Gesture Controls

Powered by an advanced 6-axis IMU sensor, Master Buds 2 introduces intuitive head-gesture controls, enabling users to manage music playback and calls through simple head movements. This hands-free interaction enhances convenience, making everyday listening more seamless and responsive.

Price and Availability

The Noise Master Buds 2 will be available in three signature colorways — Carbon, Aurum, and Mercury with pre-sales going live from 27th February across gonoise.com, Amazon, Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales, at an inaugural launch price of INR 7,999.

Pre-booking is now LIVE — exclusively on  gonoise.com,