Samsung Announces Biggest Ever Festive Offers on Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 in India

BENGALURU, India – November 7, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced exciting limited period offers on its immensely popular sixth-generation foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Starting today, consumers purchasing Galaxy Z Fold6 will get the smartphone at as low as INR 144999 along with a 24 months no-cost EMI. Similarly, consumers purchasing Galaxy Z Flip6 will get the device at just INR 89999 with 24 months no-cost EMI as a part of a limited period festive offer. Galaxy Z Fold6 is priced starting INR 164999 and Galaxy Z Flip6 is priced starting INR 109999. Consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of the convenient EMI options starting as low as INR 2500 for Galaxy Z Flip6 and INR 4028 for Galaxy Z Fold6.

Additionally, customers purchasing Galaxy Z Fold6 or Galaxy Z Flip6 will get Galaxy Z Assurance at just INR 999 for a limited period. The Galaxy Z Assurance programme, which provides complete device protection was originally priced at INR 14999 for Galaxy Z Fold6 and INR 9999 for Galaxy Z Flip6. Under the Z Assurance programme, customers can now avail two claims in a year.

Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 are the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series devices ever, and come with perfectly symmetrical design with straight edges. The Galaxy Z series is also equipped with enhanced Armor Aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making this the most durable Galaxy Z series yet. Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, one of the most advanced Snapdragon mobile processors yet, combining best-in-class CPU, GPU, and NPU performance. The processor is optimized for AI processing and offers enhanced graphics along with improved overall performance.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a range of AI-powered features and tools – Note Assist, Composer, Sketch to Image, Interpreter, Photo Assist and Instant Slow-mo – to maximize the large screen and significantly enhance your productivity. Galaxy Z Fold6 now comes with 1.6x larger vapor chamber for longer gaming sessions and ray tracing supports life-like graphics on its 7.6-inch screen that offers a brighter display of up to 2600 nits to deliver more immersive gaming.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 offers a range of new customization and creativity features so users can make the most of every moment. With the 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow, consumers can use AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device. Users can reply to texts with suggested replies, which analyzes their latest messages to suggest a suitable tailored response.

FlexCam now comes with the new Auto Zoom to compose the best framing for shots by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. The new 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors provide an upgraded camera experience with clear and crisp details in pictures. Galaxy Z Flip6 now also comes with enhanced battery life and gets a vapor chamber for the first time.

Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection, secures Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6.

Galaxy Z Fold6 is available in three stunning colours- Silver Shadow, Navy Blue and Pink whereas Galaxy Z Flip6 is available in Silver Shadow, Mint and Blue. Both the devices are available across all leading online and offline retail stores.

Seeds Fincap, British International Investment, and Lok Capital Collaborate to Offer Customized Financial Solutions to Small Retailers in India

India, November 06,2024: Seeds Fincap Pvt. Ltd.(Seeds), a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), has partnered with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, through Lok Capital to launch a pioneering Supply Chain Finance initiative, providing tailored financial solutions to small retailers in India.

Many small retailers currently use unsecured individual loans as working capital, due to lack of access to better loan products. Therefore, the new initiative is designed to provide the much-needed working capital for inventory, operations, and expansion along the supply chain, addressing long-standing credit access challenges.

Lok Capital, a key investor in Seeds, facilitated this collaboration through BII’s technical assistance programme – BII Plus – with the aim to unlock capital which will enhance its portfolio’s performance. Seeds’ initiative is also supported by M2i Consulting, which providing the technical support in developing this product.

Through BII Plus, BII is also supporting technology enhancements, market research, and capacity building, enabling Seeds to broaden its reach and strengthen its service offerings. This will demonstrate a new model to help India’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which contributes to nearly a third of the country’s GDP.

Subash Acharya, Managing Director of Seeds Fincap, shared:“Through our collaboration with BII, we are not only offering financial support but also enabling small retailers to think bigger and bolder. We’re empowering them to chart their own course and take the lead in driving local economic transformation, ultimately reshaping their futures and communities.”

Simon Meier, Director and Head of BII Plus at British International Investment, said: At BII, we are committed to supporting innovations that help the growth of MSMEs in a sustainable and inclusive way. Our partnership with Seeds will pilot a new approach to improve access to working capital which small retailers currently find challenging to secure. This will empower them to grow faster and stronger, contributing to a more inclusive economy.”

Rajat Bansal, Director at Lok Capital added:

“The gap in working capital solutions for retailers is significant, and we are pleased that, through our technical assistance platform, Seeds Fincap will be equipped to address these critical needs. This partnership of Seeds and BII is instrumental as it extends beyond mere financial support, fostering long-term growth and sustainability in emerging markets by empowering businesses with tailored resources and tools.”

OPPO’s Find X8 Series Pushes Smartphone Photography Innovation with Dual Periscope Camera, GenAI Telescope Zoom

New Delhi, 7th November 2024: OPPO is gearing up to push the boundaries of smartphone photography with OPPO’s Find X8 Series, which promises to set a new standard for customers who want a flagship phone and camera experience. The Find X8 Series is the first in the world to feature a revolutionary dual periscope camera system with a unique Triple Prism Fold Reflection System.

The Find X8 Series has a revolutionary quad-camera system with innovative GenAI features such as AI-backed Telescope Zoom, a new and advanced HyperTone Image Engine, Dolby Vision video recording, and 4-mic Spatial Audio. It also comes with the iconic Hasselblad Portrait, Master Mode for granular control over camera settings and Lightning Snap, which can capture 100 photos in 30 seconds thus offering a complete camera experience for everyone—from photography enthusiasts to creators to power users.

First in World: Dual Periscope camera system

The OPPO Find X8 series pioneers the world’s first dual periscope camera system. The dual periscope system for the 3x and 6x camera optical lens systems has enabled OPPO to create the thinnest and lightest flagship camera system while ensuring that everyday moments out of reach are captured effortlessly.

The 50MP LYT-600 sensor and 3x telephoto lens deliver crystal-clear shots in any lighting conditions, day or night. To house the large 1/1.95” sensor, OPPO engineered an all-new and innovative Triple Prism Folded Lens that reduces weight by 30% and size by 24% compared to previous models. By positioning the lens parallel to the phone’s body, OPPO has minimised lens protrusion to just 3.09mm, ensuring a sleek, modern design.

The 50MP IMX858-equipped 6x periscope camera extends your reach from travel photography to capturing your favourite performer on stage. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and the full 50MP resolution promise sharply focused shots even in low light, preserving every detail.

The primary 50MP camera, equipped with Sony’s LYT-808 sensor, offers unmatched clarity in challenging lighting thanks to its advanced two-layer transistor pixel structure. By stacking the photodiode and the pixel transistor on separate layers, this sensor significantly enhances dynamic range, reduces noise, and maximises light capture. The result is clearer, vivid images with superb contrast, even in low-light scenarios.

2-DOL HDR and Improved HyperTone Image Engine

The Find X8 Series’ camera system further elevates performance with 2-DOL HDR capture and OPPO’s improved HyperTone Image Engine. Unlike traditional HDR, which layers multiple images shot at varying exposures, 2-DOL HDR simultaneously captures two sets of exposure data using alternate pixels within the same frame. This approach boosts dynamic range and enables razor-sharp images, especially when capturing shots of fast-moving subjects. The result is that users always get a sharp image, even if they are taking photos of fast-moving objects or persons, as the Find X8’s HDR system ensures perfectly balanced highlights and shadows for breathtaking photos every time.

The OPPO Find X8 series is also driven by the cutting-edge HyperTone Image Engine, which ensures every shot is captured with uncompromised clarity. The system preserves maximum image quality across mid-tones, highlights, and tones by performing all computational adjustments directly on RAW sensor data.

This RAW-domain lossless computational photography ensures the best possible photos, especially for dramatic golden hour shots, fireworks or concerts, where lighting is typically inconsistent. Users get balanced images with a precise blending of colours, shadows, and highlights, making the image look vivid and realistic, no matter the lighting conditions.

The HyperTone Image Engine is also optimised to ensure that fine details such as hair or fur are sharp when taking closeup photos of people or animals, resulting in a much more detailed picture. Further, when taking 3x zoomed-in portraits on very sunny days—where lighting can be challenging—the engine improves details like lighting, shadows, and colours.

AI-Backed Telescope Zoom

The Find X8 Series also comes with an innovative AI Telescope Zoom. OPPO uses powerful AI algorithms with generative AI models to help users zoom into subjects while preserving clarity and accuracy, even at extreme zoom levels such as up to 120x.

Further, OPPO’s advanced AI Telescope Zoom ensures that different AI models are used when shooting at 10x to 20x, 20x to 60x, and 60x to 120x.

At 10x-20x, OPPO deploys AI-powered algorithms to enhance image resolution significantly. At the 20x-60x stage, the camera leverages a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model focusing on detail preservation for colour tones, textures, and materials while significantly increasing clarity. At 60x-120x, a powerful AI-powered generative model can reconstruct images at the pixel level. This allows for exceptional clarity in even extreme long-distance shots.

The result for users will be clear zoomed-in photos, which are not oversharpened, no matter the distance. So whether you are recording from the back row of a concert or zooming into a tiger at a distance, the Find X8’s camera system will ensure zoomed-in photos with clear and prominent subjects. At the same time, the camera eliminates overexposure, fogging, and face-blurring problems while preserving accurate lighting and shadows. More importantly, the zoomed-in photos will maintain delicate textures and precise colour restoration, making them seem realistic.

Unmatched Video Quality

The OPPO Find X8 Series leaps forward in videography capabilities, supporting Dolby Vision capture. This enables the camera system to adjust brightness and contrast levels frame-by-frame, enabling more precise control over video output. With a 12-bit processing pipeline, the camera captures over a billion colours, delivering vibrant videos with stunningly smooth gradients for a more immersive, lifelike visual experience.

Quick Button

The Find X8 Series also gets a dedicated camera Quick Button, letting users launch the camera interface with just a quick touch. A single click lets users take a photo or video, while a long press of the Quick Button turns on continuous shooting for photos. Users can also swipe on this dedicated camera button to zoom in when shooting photos or videos in landscape mode.

Hasselblad

The OPPO Find X8 series introduces Hasselblad Camera Mode, bringing the brilliance of medium-format photography to your smartphone. Simulating the iconic Hasselblad X2D camera, this mode delivers natural bokeh effects, stunning colour representation, and a dynamic range that’s true to life. Whether in Auto mode for effortless, professional-level shots or Pro mode for deeper customisation, every capture showcases the rich tones, clarity, and precision Hasselblad is known for. With a choice of focal lengths ranging from 24mm to 135mm, you can now define your unique perspective and turn everyday moments into masterpieces

BCT Digital integrates GST Data into rt360 Early Warning System for enhanced credit monitoring

Chennai, November 6: BCT Digital, a global risk and compliance products technology company delivering FinTech, RegTech, and SustainTech solutions, today announced a key enhancement to its rt360 Early Warning System (EWS) with the integration of GST (Goods and Services Tax) data. This new feature is implemented in partnership with a large bank in India with advances of USD 65.5 billion and brings GST non-compliance into sharp focus within the robust rt360 Credit Monitoring framework.

With the integration of GST data into the rt360 EWS, financial institutions now have a powerful tool for identifying and addressing compliance-related risks associated with GST filings. This new capability allows banks to proactively detect potential credit risks tied to GST non-compliance, enabling swift corrective measures.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital, stated “The integration of GST data into our rt360 EWS marks a significant advancement in credit monitoring capabilities, aligning with our goal to provide financial institutions with proactive, data-driven risk management. By enabling early detection of compliance risks, this feature strengthens banks’ ability to safeguard their credit portfolios and act swiftly on potential risks. At BCT Digital, we are dedicated to supporting the BFSI sector with innovative solutions that drive resilience and regulatory compliance.”

The new enhancement allows API integration for seamless GST data access, retrieval of all GSTINs linked to a PAN, verification of filing statuses and provides alerts or notifications for non-compliance, along with details on specific non-compliant GSTINs.

BCT Digital’s rt360 product suite has emerged to be a powerful risk management tool, leading the company to rank among top 70 global risk management firms by Chartis. The company’s ‘rt360 Real Time Monitoring System’ successfully tested and received approval by RBI, through a rigorous evaluation during the fourth Cohort of the Regulatory Sandbox themed ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Financial Frauds’.

TE VIBE – Vibrant Innovations & Brand Experiences Set to Energize Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 6th, November 2024: Taiwan Excellence (TE) gears up to unveil TE VIBE (Vibrant Innovations & Brand Experiences), a three-day immersive event bringing the coolest innovations and future-ready technology straight from Taiwan to the vibrant streets of Bengaluru. From November 15th to 17th, 2024, LuLu Mall in Rajaji Nagar will be the epicentre of tech brilliance and cultural fusion, capturing the buzzing energy of the Silicon City.

To kick off the event in style, Bollywood sensation Neha Sharma will join local performers to officially launch the event on Day 1. Following this, attendees can dive into a lively mix of digital and on-ground experiences awaits, including a unique café with Taiwanese favourites like bubble tea. From live gaming zones to interactive workshops and exclusive hands-on activities, TE VIBE lets you connect with the best of “Made in Taiwan.”

TE VIBE is more than just a tech display, it’s an engaging brand experience designed for Bengaluru’s tech enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Imagine exploring interactive exhibits, enjoying live demonstrations, and diving into exciting activities—all showcasing Taiwan’s role as a global tech innovator across industries.

Throughout the three-day event, tech-savvy Bengalureans will have the chance to experience Taiwan’s hottest brands like Acer, ASUS, BeanBon, BenQ, D-Link, G.SKILL, GIGABYTE, ible, IPEVO, Mbran Filtra, MSI, Thermaltake, Transcend, VAGO, WIIM, and Zyxel, spanning sectors from ICT and gaming to lifestyle and sports. For sports enthusiasts, there’s an opportunity to engage with the world-renowned badminton brand VICTOR. Whether you’re passionate about the latest gaming gear, smart living products, or high-performance sports equipment, TE VIBE offers a unique, immersive experience with innovations that shape the future.

NIXI and ICANN Join MeitY in Roundtable to Boost India’s Participation in New gTLD Program for a More Inclusive Internet

New Delhi, 6th November 2024 – The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), successfully hosted a roundtable conference on the ICANN Applicant Support Program (ASP) as part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) initiative. The event, held at the Mirza Ghalib Chamber, Scope Complex, welcomed key stakeholders and industry leaders to discuss the program‘s impact and encourage participation among eligible organizations.

The ICANN Applicant Support Program aims to provide assistance—both financial and otherwise—to organizations seeking to apply for new gTLDs, particularly those from underserved regions. The initiative is aligned with the broader New gTLD Program, scheduled to open in April 2026, which will expand the internet‘s namespace, fostering greater diversity and accessibility on the web.

The roundtable, attended by prominent representatives including Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO of NIXI, Sh. Samiran Gupta, Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director, Asia Pacific at ICANN and Sh. T Santhosh, Scientist-F, Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) highlighted the role of gTLDs in creating safer, mission-driven online spaces. The conference also provided a platform to address questions on the application process and requirements, ensuring potential applicants have a clear path to participation.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Devesh Tyagi emphasized NIXI’s commitment to building a more inclusive internet environment in India. He noted, “NIXI, in collaboration with ICANN and MeitY, is dedicated to supporting Indian organizations in joining the global digital landscape through initiatives like the New gTLD Program. We believe this will empower local businesses and communities to shape their online presence in a meaningful way.” Additionally, he added, “While speaking at the roundtable conference with rollout of the new gTLD program and application support for local languages, we’re on track for significant advancements in the coming year.”

The roundtable served as an informative session for eligible organizations, with guidance on the application process and support available through ASP. Representatives also addressed the advantages of gTLDs, which consist of three-letter strings (e.g., .org or .com) added at the end of a domain name to signify the purpose or mission of a website. With the upcoming expansion of gTLDs, this program stands to enable organizations to secure unique online identities that align with their goals.

As a knowledge partner, ICANN shared insights on the program‘s framework and the technical and administrative processes involved in applying for a new gTLD. Sh. Samiran Gupta, Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director, Asia Pacific at ICANN, stated, “ICANN shares insights on how corporate and nonprofit organizations can leverage the Applicant Support Program. Together, we can strengthen our internet community!”

Sh T. Santhosh highlighted “the Applicant Support Program (ASP) as a valuable opportunity for India that should be actively pursued for greater participation of Indian stakeholders in global internet governance forums.”He suggested that “NGOs and foundations should engage with the ASP to explore gTLD opportunities, especially to connect with non-Latin-speaking Indian audiences via Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs)”. Sh. Santhosh emphasized the importance of promoting Indian languages in ICANN documentation and policy development processes and noted that domains like “.bharat” enhance India’s global visibility. The new gTLD program, he argued, could enable organizations to apply for multilingual domain strings, furthering India’s digital presence.

Cathay United Bank Wins Three Awards at the 2024 World’s Best Digital Bank Awards

TAIPEINov. 4, 2024 Cathay United Bank has long dedicated itself to the advancement of both domestic and overseas markets, constantly innovating to provide customers with convenient and secure financial services through its customer-centric approach. Global Finance, a respected publication in international finance, recognized the Bank’s outstanding achievements in its World’s Best Digital Bank Awards for 2024, awarding it the “Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Banks – Taiwan“, “Best User Experience (UX) Design – Taiwan“, and “Best Consumer Digital Banks in Asia – Cambodia” awards.

Cathay United Bank has created services that cater to customer needs by leveraging its technological advantage. By adopting a development strategy centered around cloud technology, the Bank refined its cloud governance framework and architecture to establish personalized services. Thanks to this strategy, the Bank successfully created a smart financial ecosystem focused on multi-cloud, hybrid cloud, and data development, aiming to advance governance planning, cloud applications, technology architecture, and talent training. By providing customers with an effective and digitally resilient service, the Bank was awarded the “Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Banks – Taiwan” award.

Yet, Cathay United Bank’s success goes beyond the borders of Taiwan. Cathay United Bank (Cambodia), a subsidiary in Cambodia, broke new ground by becoming the first bank to offer digital accounts in Cambodia with the launch of the CUBC mBanking App, which is also connected to the popular Cambodian mobile payment service, Bakong. As of now, the App includes multiple features such as streamlined KHR/USD digital account setup, cardless deposits/withdrawals, cross-border transfers across platforms, and support for the KHQR retail payment service. Such efforts have transcended the digital finance experience of Cambodian customers, earning the Bank the “Best User Experience (UX) Design – Taiwan” and “Best Consumer Digital Banks in Asia – Cambodia” awards.

With its keen market observations and pioneering digital technology, Cathay United Bank distinguished itself at the World’s Best Digital Bank Awards for 2024 with its innovation. Looking towards the future, the Bank will persist in creating a customer-centric service, aspiring to become the most prominent Taiwanese bank in Southeast Asia.

Geek Plus Launches Groundbreaking Vision-Only Robot Solution in Partnership with Intel for Smart Logistics

BEIJINGNov. 4, 2024 Geek+, in collaboration with Intel, launched the world’s first Vision Only Robot Solution equipped with the Intel Visual Navigation Modules, driving the digital and intelligent transformation of the logistics industry with cutting-edge technology.

As the world’s first vision only robot solution equipped with the Intel Visual Navigation Modules, the Geek+ Vision Only Robot Solution not only possesses depth vision perception enabled by the Intel RealSense camera, but also features deep algorithmic innovations in V-SLAM positioning, composite detection networks, and robot following. This allows for highly accurate positioning, navigation, and obstacle avoidance, helping enterprises effectively cope with diverse and complex logistics scenarios while enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.

Advancing Depth Vision Perception

The Geek+ Vision Only Robot Solution is equipped with the Intel Visual Navigation Module, which integrates the Intel RealSense camera. This camera features a novel all-in-one design that enables all depth calculations to be performed directly within the device, resulting in low power consumption and independence from specific platforms or hardware. The Intel RealSense camera provides core support for various vision-based AI solutions, and when paired with a dedicated visual processor, it accelerates the machine learning process and shortens the deployment cycle of automation solutions.

Thanks to the Intel RealSense camera, the Geek+ Vision Only Robot observes, understands, interacts with, and learns from the environment. By obtaining highly accurate and consistent depth data from the environment, it accurately recognizes and interacts with its surroundings.

In addition to the camera, the Intel Visual Navigation Module also includes the Robotic Vision Hub, which contains components such as the Intel Core i7-1270P processor and connection modules. This provides reliable computational support for algorithms running on the Geek+ Vision Only Robot, including V-SLAM positioning, composite detection networks, and robot following, while enabling cloud-edge collaboration through high-speed networks.

Collaborating to Drive Algorithmic Innovation for Smart Logistics Upgrades

Building on the Intel Visual Navigation Module, Geek+ is working with Intel to engage in deep algorithmic innovation related to V-SLAM positioning, composite detection networks, and robot following:

  • V-SLAM Positioning Algorithm: It fuses multi-sensor data and various visual feature elements to generate composite maps, such as point feature maps, line feature maps, object maps, and special area maps. It delivers highly reliable and precise positioning in complex and dynamic environments.
  • Composite Detection Network: With both a traditional object detection network and a validation network, it processes detection data from multiple dimensions, thus enhancing accuracy and reducing the false detection rate.
  • Robot Following: By integrating modules like personnel detection, re-identification, and visual target tracking, Geek+ has developed a flexible and efficient visual perception pipeline. Once the relative position between the target personnel and the AMR is determined, the local planning algorithm in Geek+’s self-developed RoboGo, a robotic standalone system, will enable autonomous obstacle avoidance, resulting in smooth AMR following of the target personnel.

Leveraging the depth perception of the Intel Visual Navigation Module and the collaborative algorithmic innovation from both sides, the Geek+ Vision Only Robot ensures high precision and efficiency in environmental perception, positioning, and tracking. This facilitates logistics and warehousing service providers to drive the transformation toward smart logistics. The robots are expected to see widespread adoption in areas such as factory and warehouse transportation, helping customers build agile, digital, and intelligent supply chains.

Solomon Lee, VP of Product from Geek+ stated: “The Vision Only Robot Solution, developed in collaboration with Intel, effectively leverages the depth vision perception of the Intel RealSense camera. Together with the deep algorithmic innovations from both sides, it results in a boost in business growth and efficiency for customers, driving the digital and intelligent upgrade of smart logistics.”

Mark Yahiro, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Ventures and the General Manager of the RealSense Business Unit at Intel Inc. within Intel’s Corporate Strategy Office remarked: “Highly accurate and consistent depth vision data is critical for AMR to achieve environmental perception, significantly influencing its performance in positioning, navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Through collaboration with Geek+, we are driving AMR innovations based on depth vision data, enabling logistics robots to deliver highly stable and accurate transport services in complex environments, thereby empowering agile, digital, and intelligent supply chains.”

Going forward, Geek+ will continue to strengthen its collaboration with Intel, driving technological innovations to develop more smart logistics solutions. This aims to empower our customers, unlock new quality productive forces in the logistics sector, and lead the future of smart logistics innovation.

This world’s first Vision Only Robots equipped with the Intel Visual Navigation Modules will make their debut at CeMAT. We warmly welcome you to visit the Geek+ booth at CeMAT 2024 (Hall N1, A3-2). Join us in exploring the limitless possibilities of smart logistics.

TECNO Launches ToneProud Campaign: Aiming to Eradicate Skin Tone Bias in Imaging

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 4, 2024- In a world where technology and AI shape perceptions, are smartphones truly capturing the full spectrum and beauty of human diversity, especially in often-overlooked emerging markets?

Today, TECNO, an innovative brand at the forefront of multi-skin tone imaging, gave its response to this question with the launch of its ToneProud campaign.

A study in 2018 from MIT and Stanford University made a worrying find: The existence of skin-type bias in some commercial-artificial intelligence systems. This bias is particularly concerning in the era of AI-driven imaging technology. Understanding and addressing these skin tone algorithmic biases through scientific data collection and innovative measurement is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

With the firm belief that imaging technologies should be free from bias, with every skin tone deserving fair representation as a vital aspect of human diversity, TECNO is launching the ToneProud campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about skin tone diversity while introducing TECNO’s unique 268 skin tone database to consumers. By assigning specific color codes to different skin tones with scientific classification, TECNO is not only addressing biases in skin tone color restoration and fine tuning the accuracy of its Universal Tone technology for fair representation, but also helping consumers to understand and feel proud of the diversity of skin tones worldwide, encouraging them to take a stand against the lack of true representation with TECNO.

The ToneProud Campaign – Standing Up for Equal Representation

The ToneProud campaign is supported and joined by global celebrities of diverse skin tones, including Indonesian-born singer-songwriter Anggun, Saudi Arabian filmmaker and actress Fatima Al-Banawi, Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille and Polish actress Ewa Kępys. In a film exploring the subject of being ToneProud released to mark the start of the campaign, the celebrities share their experiences of having their skin tones misrepresented, and their belief that technology should support diverse skin tones and true color.

Reflecting on her experiences of having her skin tone misrepresented, Anggun says: “I think, sometimes, you just need to be reminded that we’re all individual and we’re all beautiful in our own way.” TECNO’s ToneProud campaign is not just a campaign, but a call for more accurate representation of people’s true skin tone, and a reminder that we should all celebrate the beauty of human diversity.

Anggun added, “If the technology helps us, which is the approach of TECNO phones, it makes it easier to break barriers and change people’s perception, change mentality.”

Join TECNO’s Campaign to Embrace Your ToneProud Attitude

To mark the launch of the ToneProud campaign, TECNO is calling on consumers worldwide to celebrate skin tone diversity and show that they are proud of their own skin tones. Users across the globe are invited to discover their own skin tone code at www.tecno-mobile.com/universaltone. This website utilizes TECNO’s inclusive 268 skin tone patches to help raise awareness of the diversity of humanity and skin tones, encouraging everyone to be proud of their own skin tone.

“Over many years, TECNO has attached great importance to consumer research, and so we understand that skin tone misrepresentation (and underrepresentation) is an issue of real significance for our consumers especially in the emerging markets,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “Through the ToneProud campaign, we are standing with consumers, especially the misrepresented or underrepresented consumers, to make the case for greater inclusivity, while at the same time continuing to heavily invest in imaging R&D to innovate technologies to make a real impact on this problem.”

The 268 Skin Tone Patches – The Game Changer in Eliminating Bias in AI for Inclusive Skin Tone Imaging

Through this campaign, TECNO is highlighting its Universal Tone technology’s 268 skin tone patches to showcase human skin tone diversity. The 268 skin tone patches, as a milestone of progress in its global research project, are the vital foundation of the inclusive mobile imaging color card that sets a new benchmark for multi-skin tone imaging as the industry’s largest and most accurate skin tone database – a database that is continually expanding.

Developed with color science experts from leading global universities, this expansive skin tone database allows TECNO Universal Tone’s algorithms to accurately detect, analyze and render skin tones in a way that allows everyone to be truly seen.

“Knowing that there are 268 skin tones patches alone is a testament to individuality. In a world that tries to box us into narrow categories, it’s a small but profound way of saying you’re unique. So be proud and tell your story,” says Johnny Drille.

By eliminating bias and promoting authentic, inclusive representation, TECNO enables consumers to capture every shade of humanity and properly represent everyone in one picture. “What TECNO is doing with its Universal Tone feature is significantly crucial at this stage because this technology will set the foundations for an inclusive society,” emphasizes Fatima Al-Banawi in the campaign film.

Together with ToneProud, TECNO and its global community are championing the essence of diversity, reinforcing the message that every skin tone is a source of pride and a vital part of our shared human tapestry.

Zypp Electric Celebrates Diwali with Gold & Silver Coin Distribution and ESOPs for Delivery Partners

Mumbai, 25th October 2024: Zypp Electric India’s Leading Tech-Enabled EV-as-a-service platform, has launched its festive campaign, “Zypp Diwali Bonanza: Top 30 riders Pan-India to get Gold, Silver Coins”, running from October 20th to November 20th, 2024. The campaign is a festive reward initiative designed to celebrate Diwali while enhancing gig workers’ earnings and long-term benefits. It aims to empower and reward current and former Zypp Pilots with exclusive festive benefits, recognising their hard work and contributions to the company.

Mr. Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric handing over ESOP to Zypp Pilots

The highlight of this campaign is Zypp Electric’s commitment to recognizing its longest-serving Zypp Pilots by introducing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) valued at ₹15 lakhs for five dedicated Pilots. This initiative aims to honour their consistent contributions and dedication, offering them a pathway to financial security and retirement benefits. The ESOP plan aligns with Zypp Electric’s long-term vision of empowering gig workers, ensuring they are not only participants in the gig economy but true partners in the company’s journey toward sustainable growth

The festive season marks a peak period for quick-commerce, e-commerce, and food deliveries, requiring an active gig workforce, with every delivery partner working hard. To reward their efforts, Zypp Electric has launched a special campaign. As part of this campaign, the top 30 Zypp Pilots will receive gold and silver coins based on their performance. Additionally, to further engage its gig workforce, Zypp is offering an opportunity to double earnings on October 31st, encouraging both current and former pilots to maximise their earnings on this special day. The company has also introduced a Zypp Electric Scooter ownership plan for its pilots in a rent-to-own format, enabling them to own the scooters they ride at no extra cost.

Mr. Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric said, “Delivery Executives, whom we call Zypp Pilots, are at the heart of our operations. This Diwali, we want to give back in a way that truly makes a difference. Thanks to their hard work, we’re able to achieve 6 million green, carbon-free deliveries every month. With the Zypp Diwali Bonanza, we are not only offering immediate festive rewards but also securing long-term benefits, like ESOPs, for our most dedicated Pilots. It’s our way of saying thank you for their hard work and commitment. Making Zypp Pilots partners in the company has always been a dream, and we are delighted to finally make this a reality.”

Zypp Electric is India’s leading tech-enabled EV-as-a-service platform, transforming last-mile logistics through sustainable electric mobility solutions. Focusing on gig worker empowerment and innovative logistics services, the company is committed to building a greener and more inclusive future for the gig economy. The company currently has 22,000+ Zypp delivery pilots.