Category technology

London, UK | Bengaluru, India, 13 September 2024: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has unveiled its ‘UST Retail GenAI platform’ at the London Innovation Lab. Steve Rempel, SVP & International CIO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, inaugurated this pioneering platform to transform retail operations through the power of Generative AI. Steve shared valuable insights on critical success factors to enable GenAI adoption, including the need to appreciate the trust cycle while planning various investments. Prior to the inauguration, UST’s CEO, Krishna Sudheendra, shared the focus with which UST is championing the adoption of Generative AI, including the in-house program to train 25,000 employees on GenAI.

AI has the potential to unlock between $400B and $660B in economic value for the retail industry, according to research. However, few companies have fully realized the potential of new technologies. Developed in-house by UST’s technology and industry sector experts, the platform combines established business models with key GenAI capabilities such as search, summarization, automation, and creation to revolutionize retail practices.

This state-of-the-art platform enables larger business teams to have an out-of-box experience for scenarios in the retail enterprise that would benefit from GenAI-led investments. The platform maps the alignment between GenAI and business capabilities, allowing for more effective decision-making. The UST Retail GenAI platform enables retailers to safely and swiftly pilot GenAI-driven solutions, test various scenarios and outcomes, accelerate innovation, and optimize operations. Retailers can conceptualize and plan their AI strategies with the help of scenario cards, which integrate the ‘Enterprise knowhow’ to address specific challenges.

“At UST, we’ve partnered with six of the world’s top ten retailers, transforming their businesses. While AI is already transforming retail operations, we still need to unlock its full potential. The UST Retail GenAI Platform offers a structured approach for exploring generative AI scenarios, marking a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize retail operations through the power of generative AI. This is aligned to our focus on building platforms that can help scale the adoption of GenAI-led ways of working,” said Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST.

The benefits of investing in digital transformation and specifically AI were echoed in a recent survey commissioned by UST, where respondents cited building resilience to cope with future disruption the highest, increasing profitability, and improving sustainability as key outcomes of technological advancements within their business. UST AlphaAI consolidates the company’s AI offerings to enhance business agility, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation journeys.

12th September 2024: India, Elastic, the Search AI Company, today announced the Elasticsearch Open Inference API now integrates with Anthropic, providing developers with seamless access to Anthropic’s Claude, including Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Haiku, and Claude 3 Opus, directly from their Anthropic account.

“The integration of Claude with Elasticsearch Open Inference API allows engineers to analyze proprietary data in real time and generate important context like signals, business insights, or metadata with our frontier model family,” said Michael Gerstenhaber, vice president, Product at Anthropic. “Supporting inference during ingestion pipelines provides more flexibility for users, particularly with features that generate and store answers to frequently asked questions to minimize latency and cost. This integration will help our common customers build efficient, reliable and beneficial AI applications. ”

“The pace and sophistication of Anthropic’s innovation in building reliable AI systems is inspiring,” said Shay Banon, founder and chief technical officer at Elastic. “Anthropic’s Claude models are a welcome addition to the simple and powerful abstraction the Elasticsearch Open Inference API provides for developers.”

New Delhi, India, 12th September, 2024 – Mappls MapmyIndia , India’s pioneering and leading deep-tech digital mapping, geospatial software and location-based IoT company is thrilled to announce its partnership with Zoomcar, the leading marketplace for self-drive car sharing. This unique collaboration enables users to seamlessly book a Zoomcar and plan their trips on the Mappls App, significantly enhancing the end-to-end travel planning and booking experience.

Zoomcar’s vast selection of over 25,000 cars across 99+ cities is fully integrated into the Mappls app, ensuring that there’s a car for every type of traveler. From affordable options for budget-conscious adventurers to premium rides for those seeking luxury, users can easily find and book the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. With zero security deposit, unlimited kilometers and easy availability of car pick up and delivery from popular destinations, Zoomcar has become the preferred choice for self-drive car sharing in India.

Mappls App is India’s own one-stop app with inbuilt digital maps for easy navigation, hyperlocal discovery & travel planning. Aimed to simplify the way Indians travel, users can book a Zoomcar directly on Mappls App and enjoy unique features like 3D junction views for navigation through complex flyovers & junctions with real-time safety & speed alerts, breakers & more. Mappls additionally provides an AI-powered travel platform that offers tailored travel solutions to its users, from destination selection to hotel bookings and detailed itinerary planning.

“Our partnership with Zoomcar brings added convenience and freedom to travelers and marks a significant milestone in our mission to simplify and enhance the travel experience for users. We’re excited to offer more value to Mappls app users and Zoomcar customers through this partnership, and go deeper into travel tech” said Rohan Verma, CEO & Executive Director of MapmyIndia.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mappls and be a part of their cutting-edge maps and travel platform. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a meticulously planned journey, we’re committed to making every trip seamless and enjoyable with Mappls.” added Hiroshi Nishijima, CEO of Zoomcar

Through this collaboration with Zoomcar, Mappls continues to redefine how people explore the world, offering users the tools and flexibility to plan their perfect journeys. An all-in-one solution for today’s tech-savvy travelers ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey, this integration allows Zoomcar customers to save time and effort, where every trip is carefully organized and optimized for convenience and comfort.

India, September 12, 2024 – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud-delivered solutions, has been recognized as a Leader in the latest GigaOm Radar Report for Security Policy as Code. As part of the Infinity Platform to secure the cloud, Check Point CloudGuard offers robust code security capabilities that fortify businesses against evolving cyber threats.

“At Check Point, we understand the challenges that come with ensuring the safety and integrity of your digital assets in the cloud. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our positioning as a Leader in GigaOm’s Security Policy as Code report,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “This recognition highlights our innovative CloudGuard solution, which enables organizations to seamlessly integrate security into their development processes, ensuring robust protection from the start.”

As businesses increasingly rely on advanced software for their daily operations, securing this code becomes crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring seamless operations. Cloud practitioners require dependable security solutions, such as code security, part of the Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), to meet this need. According to Check Point’s 2024 Cloud Security Report, a mere 21% of organizations focus on preventive measures to stop attacks before they happen, highlighting a significant gap in current cloud security strategies. By adopting Security Policy as Code, companies can prioritize proactive security measures, streamline security management, reduce errors, and empower teams to quickly address threats, as early as development, thereby securing cloud environments.

“CloudGuard benefits from Check Point’s deep cybersecurity expertise and integrates seamlessly with the Infinity platform, providing advanced threat prevention and security management capabilities across diverse environments,” said Whit Walters, analyst at GigaOm. “CloudGuard is well-suited for organizations operating in complex multicloud or hybrid environments, particularly those with a strong DevOps culture.”

Additional features of CloudGuard Code Security include:

• Integrated Security Across CI/CD Pipelines: offers seamless, language-agnostic security scanning, enabling early detection and resolution of vulnerabilities and exposed secrets to mitigate production security risks
• Automated DevSecOps Practices: Enforces uniform security policies and regulatory compliance while optimizing security operations, seamlessly integrating with DevOps to enable rapid development without sacrificing security
• Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention: Provides robust detection of vulnerabilities, malware, and weak security practices, reducing the likelihood of costly security incidents
• Actionable Remediation and Continuous Improvement: Offers precise remediation steps for security issues, empowering developers to swiftly address vulnerabilities and continually enhance their security practices

Bangalore, September 11: IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge reaffirmed Karnataka’s commitment to industry-specific skill development through the recently launched *Nipuna Program* during a meeting with a delegation from Kongsberg Digital, led by President and CEO Shane McArdle, and Deepak, Managing Director of Kongsberg Digital India, at Vidhana Soudha today.

Under the leadership of Minister Kharge, the Nipuna Program aims to equip youth with precise skill sets tailored to industry needs, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. “This is not a generic training program. Nipuna is designed to address specific industry requirements, and we are ready to collaborate with companies like Kongsberg Digital to meet their workforce demands,” the Minister stated. He further emphasized the state’s openness to partnering with Norway on innovation and talent development, leveraging Karnataka’s highly skilled workforce to meet global standards.

Kongsberg Digital, a Norwegian company at the forefront of industrial data and technology, is shaping the future of work by making industrial data more accessible and meaningful through AI. The company has invested $10 million in Bangalore and intends to expand further by tapping into local talent and contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive Industry 5.0 ecosystem.

Deepak Kumar Swain, Managing Director of Kongsberg Digital India, expressed his excitement about the potential collaborations with the Government of Karnataka. “Our vision at Kongsberg Digital India is to build a highly skilled AI-driven workforce that can contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem. The Nipuna Program offers a unique opportunity for us to access the talent required to achieve our ambitions,” said Deepak. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Karnataka’s startup ecosystem and driving innovation through partnerships with incubators and skill development programs.

Shane McArdle, President and CEO of Kongsberg Digital, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bangalore has already proven to be a crucial part of our global operations, and we are eager to invest further in the local talent pool. Our ambition is to build an *Industrial Work Surface* powered by AI that transforms industries for the better, and we believe Karnataka is the perfect place to grow this vision.”

Kongsberg Digital also discussed its ambition to support Karnataka’s startup ecosystem by investing in incubators and exploring further collaborations with the government. McArdle highlighted the potential to bring more Norwegian companies to Karnataka, driving innovation through cross-border partnerships.

The meeting was attended by IT & BT Department Secretary Dr. Ekroop Kaur and other senior officials.

11th September 2024, New Delhi: Crackle Technologies has raised a $1.7M pre-seed round to build AI based products to help publishers maximize their adtech earnings. Round is led by We Founder Circle &AC Ventures. Other investors that participated include founders of Impetus Technologies, Sunicon Ventures, Global DeVC and Misfits Capital. Importantly, founders of prominent publishers like Ludo King and others have bestowed their faith in the Crackle team and their product offering by joining as investors.

The funding will be deployed to build globally scalable products to transform programmatic advertising for publishers and developers across gaming, apps, news, and OTTs (by addressing key pain points including low fill rates, ad viewability and eCPMs). Crackle’s proprietary tech applies advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize publisher’s ad revenue, automate workflows, and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Crackle is founded by three ex-Google executives, Harsh Mittal, Shashank Dudeja and Jaivir Singh Nagi, who have a combined experience of 18 years in the publisher monetization industry. In their professional experience, they managed billions of dollars in ad tech revenue and helped multiple publishers scale their ads monetization 10x by introducing several industry-first innovations. Crackle’s mission is to enable publishers to maximize their earning potential and build sustainable businesses.

Commenting on the investment, Neeraj Tyagi, Founder & CEO, WFC stated, “Publisher business models are challenged due to factors including ad blockers, privacy regulations, and the dominance of major tech platforms. Crackle’s proprietary tech addresses these challenges head-on, helping publishers scale monetisation and build sustainable business.”

One of the other investors, Apurva Chamaria added “I’ve known the Crackle team for years and have been consistently impressed by their passion, vision, and ability to execute. Their adtech offerings have already started adding significant value to publishers and I’m thrilled to support their growth and expansion.”

Jaivir, Co-Founder, Crackle, expressed his gratitude towards the investors for their trust and support, he added, “this funding will be instrumental in advancing our mission to maximize publisher revenue and fuel a thriving ecosystem of diverse content to keep the internet relevant and useful for all.”

Since its launch in 2023 Crackle has gained significant traction and its unique approach has already started to generate significant returns for publishers impacted by lower monetization and the dominance of major tech platforms.

NOIDA, India, Sept 10, 2024 — HCLTech, a leading global technology company, will showcase a comprehensive suite of enterprise, digital and engineering innovations specifically designed for the semiconductor ecosystem at SEMICON India from September 11-13.

HCLTech suite of solutions on showcase will include conversational AI, HCLTech AI Force – a generative AI solution that accelerates software development lifecycle, Digital Twins for Wafer Handler and Rack System, Spec to Parts and Spec to Platform and HCLTech Proto ATMP lab demos.

“We look forward to our participation in SEMICON India – especially at a time when India is poised to become a leading player in the semiconductor space. We’re happy to contribute our skills, knowledge and engineering prowess gained over four decades,” stated Ameer Saithu, EVP, Semiconductor, HCLTech. “Our collaborations with top OEMs, fabs and OSATs demonstrate our commitment to accelerating semiconductor roadmaps, maximizing ROI and fostering innovation. At HCLTech, we are dedicated to transforming the semiconductor ecosystem and driving progress for our clients.”

With over 25 years of experience in this field, HCLTech is a recognized leader in Semiconductor Engineering Services and proudly partners with six of the top 10 semiconductor OEMs globally.

Leveraging extensive expertise in semiconductor chip and equipment development, HCLTech is uniquely equipped to meet the dynamic demands of the industry. As an approved design partner for leading foundries, HCLTech delivers cutting-edge silicon services to globally prominent IDMs and fabless chip companies, underpinned by strategic investments in laboratories and delivery centers around the world.

HCLTech offers several key services including Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software and Digital Engineering, Product Testing, Supply Chain Management Support and Lifecycle Services.

Delhi, 10th September 2024: Daiwa, one of the fastest-growing Made in India consumer electronics brands, has announced the launch of its new range of HD and 4K(UHD) Google TVs, ranging from 32 to 55 inches, in LED and QLED variants through an strategic alliance with Flipkart. The entire line-up powered by Google TV 3.0 features dual-band Wi-Fi, 2-way Bluetooth 5.0, Google Voice Assistant, Personalised Recommendations, Optimised Picture Quality and Dolby Audio, ensuring an enhanced entertainment experience across all six models.

The TVs come with a warranty of 12 months and are available for purchase on Flipkart. The latest TVs from Daiwa include HD models (32”) with a resolution of 1366 x 768p and 4K UHD models (43” and 55”) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160p, all featuring a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The latest range of TVs launched by Daiwa includes both LED and QLED screen variants. While LED screens provide clear and bright images, QLED screens deliver deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved energy efficiency, making the viewing experience more dynamic and lifelike using quantum dots.

With the latest Daiwa Google TV series, users can download 10,000+ apps and access 1000,000+ movies and TV episodes, and live TV, all in one place. The TVs feature Custom twin speakers delivering 20W (in 32” TVs) and 24W (in 43” and 55” TVs) powerful sound with Dolby Audio. These speakers provide impressive, more controlled, and focused sound with better bass response, making them ideal for movies, sports, and music.

The TVs have enhanced picture quality, thanks to their Advanced Colour Calibration with A+ grade panel and 16.7 Million HD and 1.07 billion colours 4K display. They are compatible with Android 11 and feature Quad-Core 1.3GHz processors, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage in 32 inch models whereas the 4K models come with 2GB RAM and 16GB Internal Storage. Daiwa’s new Google TV range features a stunning bezel-less design that enhances the viewing experience, providing an immersive visual appeal.

The new range comes with Google Voice Assistant and built-in Google Chromecast, offering seamless integration with the digital ecosystem. With personalized content suggestions like “Top Picks for You” and control via the Google TV mobile app, you can manage your TV from the phone effortlessly. The Kids profile feature provides a tailored UI and apps for children, with parental control over the watchlist. Additionally, users can access over 14,000 apps through the Google Play Store and enjoy seamless integration with Google Photos. The Ambient mode on these Google TVs transforms idle screens into a dynamic display of users’ favourite memories from Google Photos, creating a personalized and visually engaging experience. An on-screen Google keyboard further enhances the user experience.

Daiwa Google TV series boasts an array of advanced features designed to enhance the viewing experience, including a 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle for a perfect view from any seat in the room. The inclusion of HDR 10 and ALLM ensures stunning picture quality and seamless gaming performance. Eye Care Mode is incorporated to reduce eye strain, allowing for extended viewing sessions.

On the launch of the Daiwa TV range, the Flipkart TV team said “We truly believe that we are dedicated to offering products that evolve with our customer’s needs, ensuring we provide the latest and most relevant technology. By adding Daiwa’s new range of Google TVs to our extensive portfolio, we continue to enhance our selection with high-quality, innovative options. With our vast reach and commitment to delivering an exceptional shopping experience, we are confident that these advanced TVs will resonate with our customers and further strengthen our position as a leader in the electronics market.”

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Priyanka Sukhija, Director of Brand Operations at Daiwa, said, “We’re excited to launch our new range of Google TVs, designed with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs for a superior entertainment experience. Proudly developed in India, these TVs combine high-quality visuals, immersive sound, and seamless app access. Our partnership with Flipkart ensures that these state-of-the-art TVs are available throughout India, delivering both innovation and convenience to our valued customers.”

New Delhi/Bengaluru, 10 Sept ’24: Servotech Power Systems Ltd., India’s largest EV Charger manufacturer, has secured a substantial contract to build 11 DC Fast EV charging stations from Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). This contract involves Servotech installing public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 11 Regional Transport Office (RTO) premises across Karnataka. The project will significantly enhance the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles across various regions of Karnataka.

Servotech will manage the entire project execution, from planning and design to final installation. This includes developing a comprehensive plan for the installation of EV charging stations at each RTO location, ensuring optimal placement and capacity. High-quality charging stations will be manufactured, tested, and inspected to meet strict safety and performance standards. Additionally, Servotech will provide warranty support and handle all necessary electrical connections and power supply arrangements.

Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. said, “We are glad to be working on this project for BESCOM. As a leading player in the EV sector, this initiative brings us closer to our collective goal of transforming India into an EV-powered nation. We are creating our green footprints, capturing every state, and every region of India. Having recently collaborated with ANERT and now with BESCOM our robust desire towards creating an EV charging framework is growing stronger day by day and we plan to enhance our presence by collaborating with other Nodal Agencies and DISCOMs in future as well. Our efficient hardware and software solutions will ensure dependable EV charging stations, catering to the growing demand for sustainable travel options. This project is key to support the expanding EV customer base and strategically scaling EV charging stations in high-demand areas. Together, with a shared vision and dedication, we are driving a smooth transition to green mobility through sustainable transport solutions.

Bengaluru, 9th September 2024: Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (Honda e: Swap) a Subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan and Bhago Mobility an Indian innovator in sustainable transportation solutions have teamed up to provide state-of-the-art Green Fleet Management Services aimed at revolutionizing last-mile delivery solutions for the EV segment. These services incorporate Honda e: Swap’s cutting-edge battery swap technology where discharged batteries can be replaced with fully charged batteries within minutes to enable EV fleets with maximum Uptime Bhago Mobility’s electric cargo vehicles powered by Honda e:Swap’s innovative technology offers quick battery swaps resulting in higher levels of reliability and lower downtime for EV fleets., Bhago Mobility will deploy Honda e:Swap-powered electric vehicles at strategic locations in Bangalore and Delhi. These would be a boon to e-commerce fleets as well as vehicles engaged in passenger mobility.

Bhago Mobility’s dedicated hubs will provide electric cargo vehicles round the clock. These vehicles with swappable battery packs will be stationed within a 10km radius of every metro station, guaranteeing access to reliable, convenient and sustainable mobility services whenever needed, effectively providing a truly green choice for commuting and carrying cargo. With carefully chosen partners, Bhago mobility will launch 100 vehicles within the next few months of 2024 and aims to reach 10,000 vehicle in the next three years by 2028.

“We are excited to mark World EV Day by starting our Honda e:Swap service for Bhago Mobility in Bangalore. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing sustainable, efficient, and cutting-edge solutions for urban mobility. We believe this step will not only enhance the seamless delivery solution, but also contribute significantly to the city’s transition towards a greener future.” said

Mr. Takuya Taniguchi, President and CMD, Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt ltd. (Honda e:Swap)

“It is an honour to partner with Honda e:Swap in this ground breaking initiative. Our shared vision for sustainable transportation aligns perfectly with our goal to revolutionize fleet management and last-mile delivery in India. With the support of Honda e:Swap’s advanced battery swapping technology, we are confident in delivering superior service to our clients while significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said Mr. Aditya Goyal, founder of Bhago Mobility.

Apart from fleet operations Bhago mobility’s another forward looking initiative is its upcoming dedicated “Solar-Powered Hub” with 360-Degree Green Operations. the 360-degree green operations is expected to be powered by the Solar powered Hubs. Mr. Goyal said, “We integrate sustainable practices throughout our entire process, ensuring an eco-friendly approach from start to finish. These hubs will not only support our operations but also reflect our dedication to sustainable practices.”

Other key features of the services include –

· Advanced Fleet Tracking and Monitoring: Real-time GPS tracking and data analytics provide comprehensive insights into fleet performance, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize routes.

· Predictive Maintenance: Using AI-driven algorithms, the system predicts potential maintenance issues before they occur, ensuring vehicles remain operational and reducing downtime.

· Sustainability Focus: Bhago Mobility’s Green Hub integrates electric and hybrid vehicles into fleet operations, reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener practices.

· 24/7 Support and Assistance: A dedicated team of experts is available around the clock to provide support and ensure maximum uptime for all fleet operations.

By introducing these services, Bhago Mobility is not just providing fleet management solutions but is also paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. Businesses that partner with Bhago Mobility can look forward to reduced costs, improved operational efficiency, and a smaller environmental footprint.