We are just 10 days away from the most anticipated launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 9, the latest Samsung smartphone.
Ever since the news dropped regarding the launch of the next flagship of Samsung, a lot of rumours are doing the rounds. As the launch event of Samsung Galaxy Note 9 approaches, the excitement levels are only getting intense by the minute. The event is all set to kick start on 9 August in Brooklyn, New York City. With each passing day, a lot of speculations are coming in and various leaked images are doing the rounds.
Apart from leaked images, we are flooded with a wide range of new features too!
According to the latest leaks, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes with a base model of 128 GB of storage. It appears that Samsung will only offer two variants of the Galaxy Note 9 this year, with 128 GB and 512 GB of onboard storage. As per the report by Sammobile, a new leaked poster for buyers based in Indonesia revealed the price and designs of the phone.
According to the leaked images, the Galaxy Note 9 will arrive in Indonesia in three colour variants including artisan copper, engineered blue and mystic black. These images also suggest that in Indonesia, both the 128GB and 512GB models of the Galaxy Note 9 will come with a free Samsung TVs as pre order gifts. Whether or not these images are true, only time will tell! The Galaxy Note 9 will have a massive 4,000 mAh battery, according to Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency ‘ANATEL.’ This breathtaking battery of 4k mAh lasts for two days and could playback 25 hours of non stop video! Not only that but this sassy phone would display with maximum brightness on a single charge. Is that not stunning?
As far as the prices are concerned, according to a source, the 128 GB in built storage model of the Galaxy Note 9 will be priced at IDR. 13,500,000 (Rs. 64,400) in Indonesia. The 512 GB variant of the smartphone’s price will be significantly higher at IDR. 17,500,000 (Rs. 83,500). However, there is no mention of a 64GB or a 256GB model of the handset. The phone will come with a 6.4 inches high resolution OLED screen and consists of Samsung’s customised software, Android Oreo. The Note 9 will also sport dual camera system on the rear, with one of the cameras supporting optical zoom.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be available in a wide range of vibrant colours including black, silver, lilac purple, brown and coral blue.
Flipkart also released a teaser in which it hints Samsung Galaxy Note 9 to launch in India on August 9.
The Samsung Galaxy Note is a series of high end Android based smartphones and tablets, developed by Samsung Electronics. All the Galaxy Note models ship with a stylus pen and are incorporated with a pressure sensitive Wacom digitizer. These models also include software features that are oriented towards the stylus and the devices’ large screens, such as note taking and digital scrapbooking apps and split screen multitasking. The first ever launch of this series took place at IFA Berlin in 2011.
In a direct challenge to Zomato’s recent foray into the events and experiences market, Swiggy has launched its own dedicated app, ‘Scenes.’ This new platform aims to curate and offer a diverse range of live events, including music concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and exclusive dining experiences. The launch of Scenes marks an important strategic move for Swiggy as it seeks to expand its service offerings beyond food delivery.
A Focus on Live Events
Unlike Zomato’s District app, which covers a broader spectrum of experiences, Swiggy’s Scenes is specifically tailored to live events. Users can browse through a curated list of events, purchase tickets directly within the app, and avail themselves of exclusive offers and discounts. The app currently features events such as New Year’s Eve parties, live music performances, and DJ nights at partner restaurants, enhancing the social dining experience for users.
Expanding the Swiggy Ecosystem
The introduction of Scenes is part of Swiggy’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings and strengthen its position as a comprehensive lifestyle platform. The company has been aggressively expanding its services beyond food delivery into areas such as quick commerce and grocery delivery. By venturing into live events, Swiggy aims to capture a share of the growing market for entertainment and experiences.
One BLCK: A Premium Membership
To further enhance user experience, Swiggy has introduced ‘One BLCK,’ an exclusive membership program designed for premium users. This membership offers a range of benefits, including:
Priority Delivery: Users receive faster delivery times with an on-time guarantee.
Exclusive Perks: Members enjoy complimentary drinks and desserts at partner restaurants.
Concierge Services: Personalized customer support enhances the overall service experience.
The membership is priced at INR 299 for three months, targeting users who are willing to pay a premium for enhanced convenience and service.
The Battle Heats Up
With both Swiggy and Zomato vying for dominance in the Indian foodtech market, competition is intensifying. The launch of Scenes represents another chapter in this rivalry as both companies strive to capture a larger share of the burgeoning events and experiences market. Zomato has been proactive in this space, having acquired Paytm’s events and ticketing business earlier this year and launching District as a standalone app for experiences.
As the online entertainment ticketing space continues to grow—projected to reach $7.80 billion by 2029—Swiggy’s entry into this arena positions it well against established players like BookMyShow and TicketNew. The Indian Event and Exhibition Market is expected to see significant growth, driven by rising consumer demand for live experiences.
Conclusion
The launch of the Scenes app underscores Swiggy’s commitment to innovation and its strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond food delivery. As the company continues to expand its ecosystem with new offerings like One BLCK and live event ticketing, it aims to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. With both Swiggy and Zomato competing aggressively in multiple domains—including food delivery, quick commerce, dining out, and now event ticketing—the battle for supremacy in India’s foodtech landscape is set to intensify in the coming months.
Google has announced a strategic partnership with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to enhance access to quality education across India. This collaboration aims to empower students, parents, and teachers by providing engaging, multilingual educational content through YouTube, thereby addressing the diverse learning needs of the Indian population.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages: NCERT will launch dedicated YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, making educational resources accessible to a wide range of learners. This initiative is designed to cater to the linguistic diversity of India and ensure that students from various backgrounds can benefit from quality educational materials.
NPTEL Courses on YouTube: In collaboration with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), Google will offer a variety of credentialed courses on YouTube. These courses will cover subjects such as pure sciences, sports psychology, literature, and rocket propulsion. Learners who complete these courses can obtain certifications through the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, providing them with valuable credentials recognized by India’s prestigious IITs.
AI-Powered Learning: Google will leverage its AI technology to enhance learning experiences by providing contextual information, definitions, and images alongside video content. This feature will help students grasp complex concepts more effectively by offering immediate access to supplementary information relevant to the topics being discussed in the videos.
Impact on Education
This initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and empowering learners across India. By providing free, high-quality educational content, Google and NCERT are helping to create a brighter future for the next generation. The partnership not only aims to improve educational outcomes but also seeks to foster digital literacy among students and educators alike.
Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Learning has always been at the heart of YouTube. In India, where accessible education is crucial for unlocking the nation’s potential, YouTube can help make learning content more accessible through innovative partnerships, tools, and resources.”
Conclusion
As Google and NCERT work together to roll out this initiative, they are poised to make a substantial impact on education in India. By harnessing technology and focusing on multilingual content delivery, this partnership aims to empower thousands of students and educators across the country. As educational needs continue to evolve, such collaborations will play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all.
WhatsApp has embarked on a nationwide initiative called Bharat Yatra to empower small and medium businesses (SMBs) across India. This innovative mobile bus tour aims to provide hands-on training and support to help businesses leverage the power of digital technology, particularly through the WhatsApp Business app.
Key Focus Areas
Digital Skill Enhancement: The Bharat Yatra program is designed to equip SMBs with essential digital skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. This includes training on how to effectively navigate the digital landscape and utilize online tools for business growth.
WhatsApp Business App Training: Participants will learn how to use the WhatsApp Business app to connect with customers, share product catalogs, and manage inquiries efficiently. This training is crucial for businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and streamline communication.
Latest Features and Updates: The tour will highlight the latest features of WhatsApp Business, including Meta Verified, which enhances business credibility, and custom messaging options that allow for personalized communication with customers.
AI Integration: Businesses will also be introduced to the potential of Meta AI integration, which can streamline customer engagement processes and boost overall productivity. This aspect of the training aims to familiarize SMBs with advanced tools that can enhance their operational efficiency.
Tour Details
The Bharat Yatra will kick off its journey in Delhi-NCR, visiting bustling markets such as Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Nehru Place. Over the coming months, the bus will cover key business hubs in cities like Gurugram, Noida, Agra, Lucknow, Indore, Ahmedabad, and others. Each stop will feature interactive demos, expert guidance, and personalized support tailored to the unique needs of local businesses.
Impact on the Indian Economy
By engaging directly with businesses across major cities, WhatsApp aims to create a tangible impact on the Indian economy. The initiative aligns with WhatsApp’s broader goal of supporting small businesses and fostering digital growth in India. According to Ravi Garg, Director of Business Messaging at Meta India, “Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, and with the right digital tools, they have the power to supercharge the country’s digital transformation.”
Conclusion
As the Bharat Yatra continues its journey across India, it is expected to empower thousands of SMBs, contributing significantly to India’s economic development and digital transformation. By providing essential training and resources, WhatsApp is not only enhancing business capabilities but also reinforcing its commitment to fostering a robust small business ecosystem in India. This initiative builds on previous efforts such as WhatsApp Se Vyapaar, which aimed to upskill millions of traders, further demonstrating WhatsApp’s dedication to supporting India’s entrepreneurial landscape.