Odisha’s innovative startup, Bon V Aero, has made a significant leap in the logistics sector with the launch of Air Orca, India’s first fully autonomous logistics drone service. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the diverse logistics needs across the country and was unveiled at an event attended by prominent venture capitalist Tim Draper, marking a major milestone for both Bon V Aero and India’s logistics landscape.

A Major Milestone for Indian Logistics

“Air Orca’s launch represents significant progress for India’s logistics landscape and for us as an Odisha-based company,” stated Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of Bon V Aero. He emphasized that developing this drone in India allows for customization to meet the unique challenges faced in the country. Draper praised the innovation, noting, “Autonomous drones like Air Orca offer practical, flexible solutions for modern logistics, with use cases spanning disaster response to high-altitude defense missions.”

Engineered for India’s Unique Logistics Needs

Entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in India, Air Orca features advanced autonomous capabilities tailored for challenging logistics environments where traditional transport methods may fall short. The drone is envisioned as a first-responder tool capable of delivering relief supplies in post-disaster scenarios and providing crucial support during emergencies.

Bon V Aero has already set a world record as the first Indian company to lift a 30 kg payload at Umling La Pass in Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet. “This feat highlights Air Orca’s capabilities, outshining helicopters that often struggle at such high altitudes,” said Sathapathy.

Expanding Applications Across Key Sectors

Bon V Aero aims to utilize Air Orca across various sectors including healthcare, e-commerce, military logistics, and disaster management. The company envisions the drone supporting critical logistics needs on a global scale. Designed to operate reliably under extreme conditions, Air Orca exemplifies the innovative potential of India’s drone industry in reshaping logistics across both civilian and defense sectors.

Future Prospects and Market Impact

As Bon V Aero continues to develop and refine Air Orca’s capabilities, the startup is poised to make a significant impact on India’s logistics industry. The introduction of autonomous drones could revolutionize how goods are transported, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. With increasing demand for efficient and timely delivery solutions, Air Orca is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.

Conclusion

The launch of Air Orca by Bon V Aero marks a pivotal moment not only for the startup but also for India’s broader technological landscape. By harnessing advanced drone technology tailored to local needs, Bon V Aero is setting a precedent for innovation in logistics. As the company scales its operations and explores new applications for its drones, it contributes to establishing India as a key player in the global drone industry and enhances its capabilities in addressing critical logistical challenges.

Apple is poised to enhance the Siri experience for iPhone users by integrating ChatGPT Plus, potentially introducing a subscription model with an anticipated monthly fee of Rs 2,000. This initiative is part of Apple’s broader “Apple Intelligence” program, which aims to revolutionize user interactions by leveraging advanced AI capabilities.

Enhanced Apple Intelligence with ChatGPT Plus

The integration of ChatGPT Plus into Siri is expected to significantly elevate the personal assistant’s functionality. Users who opt for this subscription will benefit from a more responsive and versatile Siri, capable of handling a wider range of tasks and providing more nuanced responses. This upgrade aims to unlock the full potential of Apple Intelligence, enhancing the overall user experience.

Subscription Options and Benefits

To subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, users can navigate through their device settings: Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT > Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus. However, currently, there are no additional discounts for subscribing via this route; users may find better value by subscribing through a web browser. Existing ChatGPT Plus subscribers can also log into their accounts on Apple devices to access the enhanced Siri features.

While many functionalities, such as Writing Tools and Image Playground, will remain accessible without a subscription, those who do not subscribe to ChatGPT Plus will experience a limited version of Siri. The subscription is designed to provide users with advanced capabilities that leverage the latest GPT models.

Expanded Device Compatibility and Access

The upgraded Apple Intelligence powered by ChatGPT Plus will extend beyond iPhones to include iPads and Macs. Users who subscribe will enjoy seamless access to Siri’s new capabilities across all compatible devices for the same Rs 2,000 monthly fee. For those eager to preview some features of Apple Intelligence before its full rollout, changing the device language from English (India) to English (US) may grant early access to select functionalities.

Launch Timeline for India

Apple has announced that comprehensive support for Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs in India by April 2024. Until then, users can anticipate an evolved Siri experience designed to enhance productivity and daily interactions through advanced AI-driven features.

Conclusion

The integration of ChatGPT Plus into Siri represents a significant step forward in Apple’s efforts to enhance its AI capabilities. By offering this upgraded experience as a subscription service, Apple aims to provide users with a more powerful personal assistant while positioning itself competitively in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology. As the rollout approaches, iPhone users can look forward to a more intelligent and responsive Siri that promises to transform how they interact with their devices.

Engagespot, a startup based in Thiruvananthapuram that specializes in user notification solutions, has made history by becoming the first startup from Kerala to join the prestigious Techstars New York City Accelerator. Selected from a competitive pool of only 12 startups worldwide, Engagespot will participate in a 15-week program designed to enhance its capabilities and solidify its position as a leader in the developer tools space.

A New Chapter for Kerala’s Tech Scene

Founded by Shiv Shankar, Anand Sukumaran, and Anandu S, Engagespot’s acceptance into Techstars is a significant milestone for Kerala’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. Techstars is renowned for its accelerator network, having supported over 4,000 startups, including 150 unicorns, since its inception. Engagespot’s entry into this elite program not only highlights its innovative approach but also raises the profile of local startups on a global stage.

Revolutionizing Notifications for Modern Businesses

Engagespot has developed an innovative AI-powered notification system aimed at optimizing user communications across various channels, including SMS, email, push notifications, and Slack. Many companies struggle to reach users at the right moment and through the appropriate platform, often resulting in missed opportunities. Engagespot’s solution intelligently schedules and routes notifications to maximize engagement while reducing messaging costs by up to 50%. This approach has garnered interest from over 2,000 companies, including notable unicorns like Veho, Sameday, and Nivoda.

Strong Market Momentum

Despite being only 11 months old, Engagespot has quickly established itself as a promising startup with solid market traction. The company has secured multiple high-value contracts, generating over $100,000 annually from clients—an impressive early impact in a competitive market.

Shiv Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder, described their transformative experience during the accelerator: “In 15 weeks, we increased our revenue fivefold, achieved operational profitability, and grew our monthly rate by 25%. The guidance and network access from industry leaders—including founders of Digital Ocean, Squarespace, and Veho—have been invaluable in shaping our path forward.”

Anand Sukumaran, CTO and Co-Founder, added: “Techstars NYC enabled us to test and improve our product in real-time with input from top engineering minds. Beyond the program, the extensive alumni network will continue to support our progress.”

Growth Plans and New Investment

During its time at Techstars, Engagespot successfully raised $250,000 in funding from Techstars and angel investors like Veho CTO Fred Cook and Great Valley Investments. With plans to expand further into North America, the company’s founders will maintain operations in New York while keeping their engineering headquarters in Trivandrum. Additionally, Engagespot plans to hire 20 more engineers over the next year to fuel its growth.

A New Era for Kerala in Global Tech

Engagespot’s success story serves as a boost for Kerala’s emerging tech scene, underscoring the region’s potential to produce globally competitive startups. As Engagespot scales its operations and enhances its offerings in the notification solutions market, it is poised to further establish Kerala as a significant player in the international tech landscape.

Conclusion

The journey of Engagespot highlights not only the innovative spirit of Kerala’s tech entrepreneurs but also the growing recognition of India as a hub for technological advancement. As the company continues to leverage its participation in Techstars NYC to refine its product and expand its market reach, it sets an inspiring precedent for other startups in the region looking to make their mark on the global stage.