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Google io 18 – Here’s All You Need To Know

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Google io 18,Startup Stories,Startup News India,2018 Technology News,Google I/O 2018,Google I/O 2018 Keynote,Google CEO Sundar Pichai,Microsoft Build 2018,Google I/O Developers Conference,Google io 2018 Highlights,Google Developers Conference

This year saw the clash of two major tech companies led by Indians for grabbing the spotlight with their unique features, latest additions and in some cases, a completely rebranded focus. Microsoft Build 2018, which kicked off on 7the May, was still going on when Google launched its own annual Google I/O developers conference.

Technology giant Google just wrapped up the first day session of its annual developers conference, Google io 2018. The keynote address, although short, had some major announcements including the upgrades to its Assistant, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai started the conference by laying out the overall direction the company would be taking post the conference. Pichai spoke about the biggest controversies the company faced last year, namely the placement of cheese in the burger emoji and the floating foam in the beer emoji. Over 7000 people present there and millions watching online finally realised why Google is so serious about its emoticons.

Since their io last year, the company made a lot of progress in terms of AI and Machine Learning (ML.) This year’s platform concentrated on software over hardware as well as in showcasing the integration of AI and ML in the day to day life. Here are the highlights from the Google io 2018 developers conference.

Core Mission – According to Pichai, the core mission of the company this year will be to make information more useful accessible and beneficial. This includes taking into consideration the expectations of technology in the different parts of the world and the opportunities available.

Google AI – The company is empowering industries around the world by integrating AI into various technologies. These machine learning systems offer deeper analysis and newer insights as compared to regular technologies.

GBoard With Morse Code – In an attempt to make language and speaking easier and more accessible to people all around the world, Google introduced a new feature to its GBoard. The GBoard with Morse Code feature allows people with disability to use the application freely, thereby communicating easily.

Gmail – After completely redesigning the Google email system, Gmail, the tech giant added a new feature called Autocompose to the email system. Using ML, users will now get predictive phrases while typing an email and autocomplete sentences. From addresses to content, the ML system analyses the previous text to predict the next sentence.

Google Photos – Over 5 billion photos are viewed every day by users. Making the app more user friendly, Google added a new feature called App Actions to the photos app which suggests smart actions. The AI system can perform actions like sharing the images with people in the photos and editing images to make them look better with just one click. Adding to that, Google photos can also convert documents to PDF format.

Tensor Processing Units – Special purpose machine learning chips, the Tensor Processing Units, drive the AL and ML systems and product improvements in the company. These chips are now also available to Google’s Cloud partners as well. The company launched the next version of these units, TPU 3.0 during the conference which uses liquid cooling systems as they are 8x times more powerful.

Google Assistant – Trying to make the Google Assistant sound more human, the tech giant stitched together the voice of a real person code named Holly. In order to get the accents and language right for users all over the world, Google also brought in American singer John Legend. His voice as the Assistant will be released later this year. The Assistant is currently available in over 500 million devices. The Assistant will also be able to support 30 languages in 80 countries by the end of this year. Apart from that, users will not have to use the command ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ every time they interact with the Assistant. Users can use the command, in the beginning, ask multiple questions within the same request.

Google Research – The tech firm is rebranding its Google Research division to Google AI with an increased focus on computer vision, natural language processing, and neural networks.

Android P – Although the Android P preview was released in March, Google finally revealed the official update of Android P along with some new features. AI is a huge part of the operating system such as AI driven auto brightness, Adaptive Brightness. The new operating system also incorporates new system navigation for multitasking and one handed use, using gestures and vertical controls.
Google News – In a revamped version of Google news, the tech firm will leverage AI to “allow users to keep up with the news they care about, understand the full story, and enjoy and support the publishers they trust.” The new AI powered Google News is also redesigned and will leverage elements found in Google’s digital magazine app, Newsstand and YouTube.
Google Duplex – The new feature, Google Duplex, is powered by the Google Assistant and can make robocalls for everyday tasks like scheduling a hair appointment or making a restaurant reservation. Integrated with AI and ML, Duplex can carry a conversation like a human and adapt to the conversation.
Google Digital WellBeing – In a world where people are addicted to their devices, Google aims to bring a balance to the phone experience in Android P. For this purpose, the company has launched four new features namely Dashboard, App Timer, Do No Disturb, and Wind Down to help users use their phones in a much healthier manner.
  • Dashboard: The Dashboard shows users how often they have been using particular apps.
  • App Timer: The App Timer allows users to set an amount of time to use a certain app and turns the icon grey once the time is up.
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Much like the current Do Not Disturb feature, this new application ensures users get no visual or sound alerts.
  • Wind Down: The Wind Down feature helps users put down their phones,  setting the whole screen to grayscale.
These are some of the major highlights from the first day of the Google Developers Conference. What was your favorite feature? Let us know in the comments below!

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Volvo’s Family-Centric Ad Shines as Jaguar Faces Backlash Over Rebranding!

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In the competitive landscape of advertising and branding, the ability to resonate with audiences while staying true to a brand’s identity is a delicate art. Recent campaigns from automotive giants Volvo and Jaguar highlight the stark difference between success and misstep in this endeavor. While Volvo’s pro-family advertisement has garnered widespread praise, Jaguar’s rebranding efforts have sparked significant backlash, underscoring the importance of understanding audience sentiment and delivering authentic messaging.

Volvo’s Pro-Family Ad Strikes a Chord

Volvo, synonymous with safety, reliability, and family-friendly vehicles, reinforced its core values with a heartfelt campaign centered on family and togetherness. The ad showcased diverse families navigating everyday moments, emphasizing not only road safety but also the importance of nurturing relationships.

Emotional Resonance

This narrative of connection and stability resonated strongly with viewers, especially in a time when many long for a return to traditional values amidst a rapidly changing world. Social media was abuzz with praise for the campaign’s wholesome content and its ability to avoid divisive messaging.

  • One Twitter user wrote, “Volvo reminds us why we trust them—safety, family, and authenticity.”
  • Another commented, “This ad is a testament to how staying true to your values wins hearts.”

The campaign’s simplicity and relatability helped Volvo strengthen its bond with existing customers while attracting new admirers, showcasing that authenticity and emotional storytelling can have a profound impact.

Jaguar’s Rebranding Misfire

In stark contrast, Jaguar’s recent rebranding attempt to position itself as a modern, edgy luxury brand has drawn significant criticism. The company unveiled a new logo and marketing strategy aimed at appealing to younger, trend-conscious consumers. However, this shift was seen by many as a departure from the brand’s legacy of sophistication and timeless elegance.

Criticism of New Direction

Jaguar’s promotional content leaned heavily on projecting a trendy image but was met with disappointment. Critics felt the new approach alienated Jaguar’s loyal customer base.

  • One viral social media post captured the sentiment: “Jaguar used to symbolize class and refinement. Now it feels like they’re chasing trends at the expense of their identity.”
  • The new logo was another point of contention, with many calling it generic and uninspired—a sharp departure from the brand’s iconic designs.

Beyond aesthetics, the backlash also reflected deeper frustrations. Critics argued that Jaguar’s strategy was emblematic of a broader issue in luxury branding—abandoning legacy values to chase fleeting relevance, ultimately risking the dilution of what makes these brands unique.

Why Volvo Triumphed and Jaguar Faltered

The contrasting reactions to these campaigns offer valuable insights into branding and marketing strategies:

  • Staying True to Brand Identity:
    Volvo’s campaign succeeded because it embraced the brand’s established image of safety and family-oriented values. Rather than attempting a reinvention, the ad reinforced what customers already love. Jaguar, in contrast, seemed to pivot away from its core identity, alienating long-time supporters in the process.
  • Understanding Audience Needs:
    Volvo tapped into universal desires for connection and stability—values that resonate across generations. Jaguar’s strategy to target younger, trend-driven audiences overlooked the fact that these consumers may not be its primary luxury car buyers, misjudging the brand’s core audience.
  • Authenticity is Key:
    Audiences value genuine messaging. Volvo’s campaign felt natural and aligned with its legacy, while Jaguar’s rebranding came across as forced and inauthentic, leading to accusations of pandering.
  • The Impact of Storytelling:
    Volvo’s ad excelled in storytelling, creating an emotional connection by depicting relatable family moments. Jaguar’s campaign lacked the same narrative depth, relying instead on aesthetics that failed to resonate.

Conclusion

The divergent outcomes of Volvo’s and Jaguar’s campaigns serve as a reminder that successful branding hinges on authenticity, audience understanding, and staying true to a brand’s essence. Volvo’s pro-family narrative reinforced its legacy while connecting emotionally with its audience, earning widespread acclaim. Conversely, Jaguar’s attempt at modernization led to backlash that underscores the risks of losing sight of what makes a brand special.

For brands navigating today’s complex consumer landscape, Volvo’s approach offers a compelling blueprint: resonate with values, tell genuine stories, and remain true to your core identity. As companies continue to adapt in an ever-evolving market, these principles will be crucial for fostering lasting connections with consumers.

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Navi Surpasses Cred to Become Fourth Largest UPI App in India!

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Navi Surpasses Cred to Become Fourth Largest UPI App in India!

Sachin Bansal’s fintech platform Navi has emerged as the fourth largest UPI app in India, overtaking Kunal Shah-led Cred. According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Navi witnessed a significant 31% month-on-month growth in October, registering 158 million transactions compared to 120 million in September.

Market Dynamics

Despite Navi’s impressive growth, Cred also saw an increase in transactions, growing from 140 million in September to 152 million in October. However, Navi’s expansion came even as it scaled back its cashback and incentive programs, demonstrating its ability to attract users through its core offerings.

UPI Market Leaders

The UPI market continues to be dominated by:

  • PhonePe: 48% market share
  • Google Pay: 37% market share
  • Paytm: 7% market share

Both Navi and Cred now account for approximately 1% of the UPI market each. Additionally, Flipkart Group’s super.money app has shown rapid growth, doubling its transaction count to 50 million in October and achieving a 0.3% market share.

Impact of Festive Sales

The festive season contributed to an overall 11% increase in UPI transaction volumes and a 14% rise in transaction value during October. This surge highlights the seasonal boost that often accompanies major shopping events in India.

Navi’s Unique Offerings

Unlike many UPI and fintech apps, Navi operates as a manufacturer of financial products. It offers a range of services including:

  • Personal loans
  • Home loans
  • Mutual funds
  • Insurance
  • Digital gold

This approach distinguishes Navi from competitors who typically act as third-party distributors of financial products.

Resilience Amid Regulatory Challenges

In October, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Navi Finserv and three other non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to halt lending practices due to concerns over high interest rates and hidden charges. Notably, this directive did not impact Navi’s UPI operations, allowing it to continue expanding its user base.

Challenges in Market Regulation

The NPCI has faced challenges in implementing a proposed 30% market share cap for UPI apps, aimed at preventing concentration risk within the ecosystem. Currently, PhonePe and Google Pay collectively account for about 85% of UPI transactions, highlighting the dominance of these two players.

NPCI’s Strategic Moves

To foster competition, NPCI has spun off its BHIM app into a separate entity and appointed veteran banker Lalitha Nataraj as its CEO. However, despite these efforts, BHIM has not seen significant growth in transaction volumes this financial year.

Future Prospects

As tier-two UPI apps like Navi and super.money gain traction, competition in India’s UPI ecosystem is intensifying. With plans to introduce innovative credit products—such as RuPay credit cards on UPI—emerging players are poised to disrupt the market further. Meanwhile, the dominance of leading apps remains a challenge for regulators aiming to promote a more balanced ecosystem.

Conclusion

Navi’s rise to become the fourth-largest UPI app marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment landscape. By leveraging its unique business model and navigating regulatory challenges effectively, Navi is positioned for continued growth. As competition heats up among fintech players, the evolution of the UPI ecosystem will be crucial for enhancing financial inclusion across India.

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Zomato Founder Seeks Chief Of Staff: No Salary, Pay ₹20 Lakh Instead!

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Zomato Founder Seeks Chief Of Staff: No Salary, Pay ₹20 Lakh Instead!

Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, has stirred a heated debate online with his unconventional job posting for the role of Chief of Staff. In a bold move, Goyal announced that the selected candidate would not receive a salary for the first year. Instead, they would need to pay ₹20 lakh for the opportunity, a sum that would be donated entirely to Zomato’s non-profit arm, Feeding India.

The Job Posting

Sharing the details on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Goyal outlined the qualities he seeks in the candidate:

  • Hunger for success
  • Common sense and empathy
  • A lack of prior conditioning or baggage
  • Groundedness and a zero-entitlement mindset
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A learning-oriented approach

The post emphasized that the role requires someone willing to “do the right thing, even at the cost of displeasing others.”

Compensation Structure

For the second year, the company promises a competitive salary exceeding ₹50 lakh, but this will only be offered after the completion of the unpaid first year. This structure is designed to attract candidates who are genuinely committed to personal and professional growth rather than those motivated solely by financial incentives.

Divided Reactions Online

The unconventional terms have sparked a mixed reaction online. While some have criticized the move for its apparent exclusivity, others have praised Goyal’s approach to identifying truly dedicated talent.

Criticism

Several users slammed the job posting for its apparent elitism, arguing that the ₹20 lakh fee would restrict the opportunity to wealthier candidates. Comments included:

  • “As if exploiting gig workers wasn’t enough, now they target the middle class. This is ridiculous.”
  • “This creates an artificial barrier, limiting the role to rich candidates with privilege.”
  • “Hire me as your PR manager; I’d save you from such tweets,” joked one user.

Critics argue that such a financial requirement alienates talented individuals who may not have the means to afford this upfront cost, thereby narrowing the pool of potential applicants.

Praise

Conversely, some viewed the posting as a strategic move to find highly motivated and financially independent individuals. Supportive comments included:

  • “This is a masterstroke to filter talent. It’s not just about the money but about finding someone who understands risk and has skin in the game.”
  • “By linking the fee to charity, it adds a touch of purpose and filters for those who align with Zomato’s values.”

Proponents argue that this unique approach could attract candidates who are genuinely passionate about making an impact and are willing to invest in their future.

The Vision Behind the Role

Goyal defended his decision by explaining that the ₹20 lakh contribution would directly support Feeding India, aligning with Zomato’s mission to give back to society. The role is intended for someone passionate about learning and willing to invest in both their professional development and social causes.

“We believe that people who apply for this role should do it for the learning opportunity it presents, rather than for a fancy well-paying job,” Goyal stated.

A New Hiring Trend or Misstep?

The announcement has undoubtedly sparked conversation about innovative hiring practices and their potential pitfalls. Whether this approach becomes a precedent in corporate hiring or fades as a one-off remains to be seen.

Implications for Future Hiring Practices

This job offer raises important questions about accessibility in high-level positions within companies. As organizations look for unique ways to attract talent, they must balance innovative approaches with inclusivity to ensure they do not inadvertently exclude capable candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

For now, the spotlight is firmly on Zomato—and on the candidate who accepts this bold challenge. As discussions continue around Goyal’s unconventional job offer, it remains to be seen how this will impact Zomato’s hiring practices and whether other companies will follow suit with similar approaches. The outcome may redefine how organizations perceive talent acquisition in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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