Latest News
11-12-2017 To 16-12-2017
Published
7 years agoon
The year 2017 is quickly coming to a close. The last week has been an extremely interesting one, with an influx in investments and a growth in the startup world, we have had a lot to do! So without taking up too much of your time, we’d like to dive into the week that was.
1. Amazon Posts 67% Increase In Sales Growth
The Indian of ecommerce giant, Amazon, reported a 67% increase in sales volume in the September quarter. According to reports, the ecommerce giant’s volumes rose by 66% in the last six months alone. However, there were reports that Amazon was lagging behind Flipkart in the September quarter. Amazon squashed all these reports and said that they have a very fruitful last quarter.
2. Paytm’s Annual Offline Shopping Festival 12/12
India’s largest ecommerce online payments platform, Paytm, recently held its second annual offline shopping festival on 12/12/2017. Customers were offered up to 50% cashback on payments made through Paytm. The aim of this festival was to drive sales for offline merchant partners who accept Paytm as a payments source.
3. Uber’s Top Trends Of 2017 – Year With Uber
Taxi and cab aggregator, Uber, has had an interesting year. In 2017, the company hit the 500 millionth trip milestone in July, where the riders and driver partners have traveled over 5.8 billion kilometers together. Uber launched a micro website, yearwithuber.com, which takes riders through their years with Uber. The past year has been interesting and filled with scandals for Uber. The end of the year video is a new beginning for the highest valued startup yet.
4. Xiaomi To Enter Indian Electrical Vehicles And Payments Space
China based smartphone and appliances service, Xiaomi, is all set to enter the Indian electric vehicles and payments space. Not just electric vehicles, Xiaomi is also planning on launching laptops, gaming consols, computer accessories and lifestyle products. Currently, Ola as well as Mahindra and Mahindra are trying to gain an upper hand in the electric vehicle industry in India. These companies are facing fierce competition from companies like Paytm and Flipkart.
5. Twitter Made Easier. New Threads Revealed.
Twitter has had an interesting year. From increasing the number of characters to introducing a host of new features, online social media platform, Twitter, has gone through a lot of changes. In the latest announcement, Twitter revealed an easier way for users to link multiple threads together as well as publishing a lot of threads together.
6. Flipkart Completes $ 100 Million Employee Stock Repurchase Plan
India’s largest ecommerce website, Flipkart, successfully completed the repurchase of employee stocks worth $ 100 million. More than 3,000 current and former employees of Flipkart, Myntra, Jabong and PhonePe took part in this repurchase. In further news, SoftBank showed interest in wanting to buy Flipkart stocks from existing and former employees. A recent valuation said Flipkart was valued at $ 10 million.
7. Swiggy Acqui Hires 48East And Team
Swiggy, the country’s fastest growing online food ordering platform, recently acquired the gourmet based food platform 48East. In order to broaden its horizons, Swiggy also took over the management of Bengaluru based 48East. In the last three years, Swiggy has acquired a delivery fleet of over 10,000 people as well. At present, along with Swiggy, foodtech startups such as Zomato and UberEats are competing for the lucrative restaurant discovery and food delivery industry.
8. Paytm Reports Triple Growth In 12/12 Festival
Alibaba backed online transactions and online payments faciliator, Paytm, reported a three fold growth during their recent annual 12/12 offline sale. Post this sale, Paytm is also gearing up for its Grand Finale sale beginning on December 13. The company also has plans to spend close to $ 5 million to bring on board offline sellers, under their Retailer Inclusion Programme.
9. Microsoft Makes Bing Smarter Using Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft, the technology giant funded by Bill Gates, decided to make Bing smarter by using artificial intelligence. The company will be leveraging their AI research in order to upgrade the search engine. Also, this will help in building a new relationship with Reddit. Microsoft has also introduced a host of interesting new features like Intelligent Search and Intelligent Image Search.
10. CCI Approves SoftBank Investment In Flipkart And BigBasket
Japan based company, SoftBank, has been keen for a while now to invest in homegrown ecommerce based startups. The first step to achieve that is through showing interest in ecommerce online shopping platform, Flipkart and online grocery delivery platfrom, BigBasket. The CCI has approved this move as well and now, things are going to be extremely interesting on the Indian ecommerce front.
11. Alphabet Inc,.Sells New Wireless Internet Tech To Andhra Pradesh
Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, will be providing the Andhra Pradesh Government with high speed wireless internet technology. Alphabet’s X research division announced on Thursday, the AP government will be buying newly developed technology to provide internet to millions of people without laying any cables.
12. Facebook To Introduce Click To WhatsApp Messaging Button
Since its launch, Facebook owned messaging service Whatsapp, has been advertisements free. However, in an attempt to monetize WhatsApp, owner of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, decided to introduce a new feature on the social network platform. WhatsApp claims to have over 1.3 million active users at the moment, while Facebook has over 1.37 million active users.
That’s all for this week! Subscribe to our portal to never miss updates from the startup world! If your startup has an exciting announcement coming up, you can even write to us at [email protected]. Catch up with the highlights of the week with our The News This Week section.
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Latest News
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Launches New Health Tech Venture ‘Continue’ for Wellness Tracking!
Published
1 hour agoon
October 22, 2024Deepinder Goyal, co-founder and CEO of Zomato, has entered the health tech space with a new venture called Continue, focusing on wellness tracking and mental health. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the startup, still in stealth mode, aims to become “The Ultimate Health Tracker,” though detailed information is yet to be disclosed.
Background of Continue
Continue was incorporated in April 2023 under the name Upslope Advisors Pvt Ltd. Filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs list Goyal as the Director, with two Zomato employees—Akriti Mehta and Simrandeep Singh—serving as Additional Directors. This new venture reflects Goyal’s deepening interest in promoting longevity and human wellness, particularly through mental health solutions.
Vision and Features
While the platform’s exact features remain under wraps, it is expected to offer tools for:
- Nutrition Tracking: Helping users monitor their dietary habits and nutritional intake.
- Sleep Monitoring: Providing insights into sleep patterns and quality.
- Preventive Healthcare: Encouraging proactive health measures to prevent illness.
There are indications that Continue may evolve into a comprehensive wellness platform addressing both mental and physical health needs.
Goyal’s Previous Involvement in Health Tech
Goyal’s interest in health tech is not new. He has previously invested in Ultrahuman, a wearable tech startup that enables users to monitor key health metrics such as sleep and heart rate. His personal fitness journey aligns with his growing involvement in wellness—Goyal has publicly shared that he lost 15 kilograms over the past four years by prioritizing his health alongside professional commitments.
Investment Background
Goyal first invested in Ultrahuman in 2021, increasing his stake over time. He is recognized as one of the most prominent angel investors in the company, holding more than 8% of its shares. Ultrahuman offers products like the Ultrahuman Ring, which tracks various health metrics, reinforcing Goyal’s commitment to integrating technology with personal wellness.
Clarification on Zomato’s Focus
Despite Goyal’s focus on Continue, Zomato clarified that this new venture is his personal project and unrelated to the company’s core operations. Zomato will remain focused on its four key business segments:
- Food Delivery
- Blinkit (grocery delivery)
- Hyperpure (restaurant supplies)
- Events Management
This distinction emphasizes that while Goyal is exploring new opportunities in health tech, Zomato’s primary business activities will not be affected.
Potential Impact of Continue
With Continue, Goyal is poised to make a significant mark in the health tech space, building on his expertise and passion for wellness. The venture could play a crucial role in addressing growing concerns about mental health and overall well-being, especially as more individuals seek holistic solutions for their health needs.
Market Context
The launch of Continue comes at a time when there is increasing consumer interest in health tracking technologies. According to recent reports, India’s digital healthcare industry is expected to grow tenfold from $2.7 billion in 2022 to $37 billion by 2030. This growth indicates a robust market opportunity for ventures like Continue that aim to integrate wellness into everyday life.
Conclusion
Deepinder Goyal’s launch of Continue signifies an exciting development in the intersection of technology and health. As he leverages his experience from Zomato and his personal journey toward better health, Continue has the potential to become a vital player in the wellness sector.
By focusing on innovative solutions for nutrition, sleep, and preventive care, Goyal aims to contribute significantly to improving individual well-being while fostering a culture of health consciousness among users. As details about Continue emerge, it will be interesting to see how this venture shapes the future of health tech in India.
Latest News
Eutelsat Launches First Satellites with SpaceX Following Merger with OneWeb!
Published
3 hours agoon
October 22, 2024Satellite operator Eutelsat successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, October 20, marking the company’s first deployment since its merger with Britain’s OneWeb in September 2023. The launch utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:13 GMT.
Background of the Merger
As the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, Paris-based Eutelsat now oversees more than 600 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, supporting a wide range of broadcasters, telecom providers, and radio stations. The merger with OneWeb was completed after gaining approval from Eutelsat’s shareholders in September 2023, creating a powerful entity capable of offering integrated geostationary (GEO) and LEO satellite services.
Statements from Leadership
“This is the first OneWeb satellite launch since our merger, and we plan to launch more over the next few years,” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat. “We aim to integrate further into the telecom ecosystem. While satellites represent a smaller niche, they play a vital role in the broader connectivity landscape where telcos dominate.”
Strategic Market Expansion and India Focus
With a $4 billion order backlog, Eutelsat is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging markets like India and Saudi Arabia. India’s satellite services market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. However, regulatory delays have hindered international players, including Eutelsat and Elon Musk’s Starlink, from entering the Indian market.
“We have orders awaiting clearance in India,” Berneke noted. “Once the market opens, we’ll begin construction immediately.”
Potential Challenges
The regulatory landscape in India poses challenges for foreign companies looking to establish a foothold. The Indian government has strict guidelines regarding satellite operations, which can delay entry for companies like Eutelsat.
In-Flight Connectivity Plans
Eutelsat is also exploring new partnerships with aviation companies to offer in-flight connectivity, including onboard internet services. The company anticipates that these initiatives, along with market expansions, will contribute to revenue growth starting next year.
Importance of In-Flight Connectivity
The demand for reliable in-flight internet services has surged as airlines and passengers increasingly expect connectivity during flights. By tapping into this market, Eutelsat aims to diversify its revenue streams and enhance its service offerings.
Conclusion
This successful satellite launch represents a significant milestone for Eutelsat as it strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving global satellite communications market. The merger with OneWeb not only enhances Eutelsat’s capabilities but also positions it strategically to meet growing demands for connectivity across various sectors.
As Eutelsat navigates regulatory challenges and expands its service offerings, it will be crucial for the company to leverage its combined resources effectively. The focus on emerging markets and new technologies could pave the way for substantial growth in the coming years, making Eutelsat a key player in the future of satellite communications.
Latest News
Elon Musk’s X Redefines Account Blocking: What It Means for Users!
Published
23 hours agoon
October 21, 2024Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is set to redefine the meaning of blocking accounts, sparking discussions among its billions of users. In a notable shift, blocked accounts will now have the ability to view the posts of the users who blocked them, although they will still be unable to interact with those posts.
Changes to the Blocking Feature
This change is currently being communicated to users through a message appearing on their feeds, stating:
“If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage.”
The transformation stems from Musk’s earlier comments expressing his desire to eliminate the traditional blocking mechanism in favor of a more nuanced approach, akin to muting accounts. Historically, blocking someone on Twitter (now X) meant that users could not see each other’s profiles or posts. However, the new policy allows blocked accounts to access the content of the users who have barred them, fundamentally altering the function of the blocking feature.
Rationale Behind the Change
Musk has long criticized the concept of blocking as a hindrance to open dialogue and information flow on the platform. He believes that allowing blocked users to view public content promotes transparency and accountability. The engineering team at X has stated that this move aims to create an environment where users can be aware of discussions happening around them, even from those who have blocked them.
User Reactions and Backlash
This development has not been well-received by many users, who are frustrated with the idea of blocked accounts being able to view their public posts. Critics question the rationale behind this change and express concerns about the implications for privacy and user experience.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Many users have taken to the platform to criticize the engineering team and Musk for the decision. Some comments include:
- “That’s not blocking. It’s supporting stalking,” one comment with over thirty thousand likes stated.
- “So now the Block feature is essentially useless. X keeps bringing its best ideas. I hope this violates the terms of service for the App Store,” another user remarked.
Safety Concerns
Critics also express concerns about potential misuse of the new policy. Users worry that it may embolden stalkers and harassers, allowing them to continue monitoring their targets even after being blocked. Intelligence and defense experts have voiced apprehensions about how this policy could compromise personal safety and create new risks for vulnerable users.
Broader Context of Changes on X
Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, X has undergone significant transformations, with a clear emphasis on monetization through features like post editing and paid verification badges. These shifts, coupled with changes like the new blocking policy, have led to a decrease in advertising interest, raising concerns about the long-term viability of businesses on the platform as user dissatisfaction continues to grow.
Competitive Landscape
As user dissatisfaction mounts, some individuals are exploring alternative platforms like Bluesky, which has seen a surge in sign-ups amid criticism of X’s policies. The ongoing changes reflect a broader trend in social media where user experience and safety are increasingly scrutinized.
Conclusion
The redefinition of account blocking on Elon Musk’s X marks a significant shift in how users interact with one another on social media. While Musk’s vision aims at promoting transparency and open dialogue, it raises critical questions about privacy and safety for users.
As this new policy rolls out, it remains crucial for X to address user concerns effectively while balancing its goals for innovation and engagement. The outcome will likely shape not only user experience on X but also influence broader discussions about accountability and safety in social media platforms moving forward.
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