LAVA launches new range of Z series smartphones; disrupts the industry with the first-ever Money Back Challenge

LAVA International Limited; announced the launch of its in-house designed and manufactured smartphones in the ‘Z Series’ – Z60, Z70, Z80 and Z90. The Z series from LAVA focuses on providing great product experience with high end camera features like Dual Bokeh Mode and Dual Camera. The company also announced the first-ever offer for consumers – ‘LAVA Money Back Challenge’. This challenge has never been offered by any other brand in the mobile handset industry before and talks about the confidence the company has on its products.

The new range of Z smartphones offer premium features : –

LAVA Z60 comes with Bokeh Mode in both the front and rear cameras. This Dual Bokeh feature makes the photographs appealing by making the objects stand out from the background.

LAVA Z70 is equipped with a Fast fingerprint scanner with App encryption. You can select Apps that can be unlocked using the finger print scanner.

LAVA Z80 is a light-weight device with Piano finish design and Dual Bokeh Mode.

LAVA Z90 has a Dual Camera to provide more visible and sharp images in low light in addition to the Dual Bokeh feature.

The devices are priced between Rs. 5,500/- and Rs. 10,750/- and will be available at retail stores across India and on all major e-commerce portals.

Key Features
LAVA Z60	LAVA Z70	LAVA Z80	LAVA Z90
Dual Bokeh mode in both front and back camera	Fast fingerprint scanner with App encryption	Dual Bokeh mode in both front and back camera	Dual camera to provide more visible and sharp images in low light
5MP rear camera with autofocus	5” in-cell display with 2.5D Curved Display	Piano black finish on the rear	Dual Bokeh mode in both front and rear camera
5MP front camera with Spotlight Flash	8 MP autofocus front camera with Flash	5” HD IPS display with 2.5D Curved Display	Fast fingerprint sensor with App Encryption
1GB RAM + 16GB ROM	5 MP camera with Flash	8 MP big pixel autofocus rear camera	5.2” HD IPS display with 2.5D Curved Display
5” IPS display with 2.5D curved Display	2GB RAM + 16 GB ROM	3GB RAM + 16GB ROM	3GB RAM + 32 GB ROM
MOP INR 5500/-	MOP INR 8000/-	MOP INR 9000/-	MOP INR 10750/-

Taking forward its brand philosophy of offering products that are high on reliability and experience, the company has launched the first-ever-in–the-industry offer called the LAVA Money Back Challenge – Under this offer, a customer can buy any LAVA phone, experience the product for 30 days and in an unlikely event of not liking the product for any reason; can return the phone within 30 days from the date of purchase and get his money back! Customers can walk into any LAVA service center to get an on-the-spot refund for their returned handset. The challenge is valid from 01 October, 2017 to 31 December, 2017 (both days inclusive). Further details about Money Back Challenge are available on company website www.lavamobiles.com.

Commenting on the launch and the Money Back Challenge, Gaurav Nigam, Product Head, LAVA International said – “The new Z series smartphones are success story of our robust in-house Research & Development over the last 8 years. With these smartphones we have been able to pack premium features with product reliability - to provide our customers a very high product experience. Also, through the Money Back Challenge, we wish to provide confidence to our customers about the quality, reliability and experience of LAVA phones. This challenge will serve as a confident reason, for customers, to be associated with LAVA. We are sure that customers will find our new products and the offer exciting and valuable.”

The Z series smartphones are also equipped with Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard which offers multi-lingual read and write option. The devices come with Android 7.0 Nougat operating system.

With an established Research & Development (R&D) Centre, LAVA is in the process of spearheading the R&D roadmap amongst Indian mobile handset manufacturers in the country. At the in-house R&D Centre, with over 700-member strong team of engineers, the company undertakes key processes of mobile handset manufacturing such as - hardware design and engineering, mechanical design, industrial design, software development for Android based smartphones and feature phones, quality assurance and quality control, manufacturing and assembly and testing.

LAVA’s India-based Design Centre has kicked off operations and will be rolling out the devices, designed locally, by the end of 2017.

Source : LAVA

World Travel Awards arrives in Rwanda

World Travel Awards (WTA) has touched down in Rwanda ahead of its Africa Gala Ceremony 2017.

The prestigious event will take place in the country’s thriving capital, Kigali, on 10th October, with hundreds of leaders from across the hospitality industry expected to attend the glittering red carpet ceremony.

Local stars, George Ndirangu and Makeda Mahadeo – both hugely experienced as hosts and presenters – will compere the event which will take place at the five star Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, alongside the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) and AviaDev Africa (10th-12th October).

The leading hotel investment conference that connects business leaders from the international and local markets, driving investment into tourism projects, infrastructure and hotel development across Africa, AHIF is attended by the highest calibre international hotel investors of any conference in Africa.

Meanwhile AviaDev Africa is a unique event bringing together airports, airlines, governments, industry suppliers and tourism authorities to determine the future air connectivity and infrastructure development of Africa. The event provides an opportunity for the aviation and hotel development communities to share intelligence on their future plans, catalysing tourism development on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the event, WTA President and Founder Graham E. Cooke said: “It is an honour for World Travel Awards to be here in Rwanda, for the very first time.

"The heart of Africa, Rwanda has become rightfully known for its spectacular scenery – think thundering waterfalls, towering mountains and virgin rainforests – and rare wildlife.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Rwanda to claim its rightful place as Africa’s rising star and I can’t wait to welcome all our nominees next Tuesday, as we recognise the leaders among them."

A full list of nominees can be viewed on the World Travel Awards website.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

source - worldtravelawards.com

ŠKODA KAROQ awarded Best New Design among all compact SUVs

The readers of the German trade magazine 'auto motor und sport' have voted the new ŠKODA KAROQ as the best new design in the category of compact SUV’s. The ŠKODA KAROQ prevailed against 17 competitors to win the converted ‘Autonis’ award.  ŠKODA KAROQ’s design language is typical of the brand – emotive and dynamic.

​“We are proud that the ŠKODA KAROQ has been voted Best New Design by the readers of ‘auto motor und sport’,“ said Christian Strube, Board Member for Technical Development at ŠKODA AUTO. “The expressive design and clear design language of our vehicles has been exceptionally well received by the customers. The ‘Autonis’ award is a confirmation of our work, whilst also being an incentive for us to sharpen the design profile of our models,” added Strube.

In the 17th 'Autonis' reader poll, 88 new models from the last 12 months went head-to-head in a total of ten vehicle categories. The field of compact SUVs or off-road vehicles was the most fiercely competitive with 18 models. The ŠKODA KAROQ gained 28.7% of the 16,600 votes cast, securing the title of Best New Design among all compact SUVs.

The emotional and dynamic design of the ŠKODA KAROQ, with its clear lines and crystalline elements, is characteristic of the brand's SUV design language. The front is dominated by the two separate headlight units, the striking radiator grille and the three-dimensional surface design of the bumper and bonnet. Short overhangs, the retracted rear as well as the early falling roof line, which is optically extended by a contour in the D-pillar, characterize the sides. The modern design features include the tornado line, which extends from the front wings to the rear lights. The wheel arches are enclosed by wide wheel panels – a design feature typical of ŠKODA’s SUVs – and give the ŠKODA KAROQ a particularly powerful look.

The Czech car manufacturer is pushing ahead with its SUV campaign with the ŠKODA KAROQ. In addition to its powerful design, the KAROQ also boasts ŠKODA's typical qualities such as generous space, convenient Simply Clever features and modern connectivity solutions.  From spring 2018, this will be the brand’s first model to feature a digital instrument cluster; information such as speed, revs and the navigation map are displayed digitally instead of on an analogue cluster. The driver can choose between various individually programmable layouts.

Source : Skoda

Hyundai Introduces Most Awaited – Global SUV TUCSON with Intellimatic ‘4 Wheel Drive’

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and number one exporter since inception today introduced the most awaited the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system in TUCSON enhancing the portfolio of Dynamic Global SUV. The Intellimatic 4WD TUCSON offers a perfect combination of a high performance off roader SUV along with comfort and stylish road presence. 

Commenting on the introduction of 4WD TUCSON, Mr. Y K Koo, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “We are happy to introduce the most awaited 4WD Global SUV – TUCSON to the Indian market. Introduction of 4WD is to bring to the customer the next level of cutting edge technology in Dynamic Styling, Athletic Performance, Advanced Safety and Smart Comfort as product innovation towards competitive advantage in fast growing SUV market while also enhancing the overall price value equation through value engineering and passing the price benefit to customer.”

The TUCSON is engineered to deliver Excellence with Dynamic Styling, Athletic Performance, Smart Comfort along with Advanced Safety. With the introduction of 4WD TUCSON; we have focused on the localisation thus offering competitive pricing for our valued customers. Superior customer experience through innovation is the hallmark of Hyundai Brand DNA. The much awaited 4WD system is an upgradation to TUCSON’s cutting edge technology and will surely raise the excitement in the growing SUV market in India.”

The 4WD is offered in 2.0 Diesel AT GLS variant. Bookings of the 4WD TUCSON is open and available across all Hyundai dealerships in India.

Key features : 4WD System 

The 4WD System comes with - ‘On Demand 4WD Functioning’ which automatically implements Rear Wheel Traction Control by assessing road conditions & maintain utmost traction on rough, lose or slippery surfaces, improving stability while cornering. When driving in this mode the system determines intelligently that there is need for 4WD based on the terrain and the engine driving power automatically get distributed to all 4 wheels without the driver’s intervention. 

The On demand 4WD Functioning system ensures better Fuel Efficiency as intelligent switching ON/OFF for 4WD system, the performance is optimized and there is low wear & tear of mechanical parts. TUCSON 4WD system also offers 4WD Lock mode which helps to activate the 4WD function manually based on user demand, resulting in a torque split of 50:50 between front and rear wheels.

Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) is an integral feature of TUCSON’s 4WD. It helps to transfer torque to the wheels that have the most grip resulting in improved cornering performance.

With over 4.5 million customers worldwide, TUCSON is one of the best-selling SUV’s across the world and a benchmark in the segment in India. TUCSON’s strong success is apparent from the overwhelming response it has received from experts and also from customers winning 7 big auto awards in India since its launch in November 2016.

Further with Hyundai’s strong commitment towards Safety, the TUCSON AT GL trims in both petrol and diesel have been reinforced with safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Down Hill Brake Control (DBC) & Brake Assistenhancing the safety and driving performance.

TUCSON: New Prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi) 

Fuel Type	Variant	Price (Rs.)
Petrol	2WD MT	17,99,900
	2WD AT GL	20,99,000
Diesel	2WD MT	19,95,900
	2WD AT GL	22,49,000
	4WD AT GLS	25,19,000

Source : Hyundai

Samsung HMD Odyssey introduces the Ultimate Windows Mixed Reality Experience

Samsung HMD Odyssey provides remarkable immersive experience with Dual AMOLED high-resolution displays, a 110-degree field of view, AKG headphones and built-in 6 DOF inside-out position tracking.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., in partnership with Microsoft, today announced the Samsung HMD Odyssey – the most immersive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headset in the market. The quick and easy to set up Samsung HMD Odyssey  delivers a premium virtual reality experience, with superior picture quality and the highest resolution display taking consumers to entirely new virtual limits.

“The Samsung HMD Odyssey is a high performing headset, which like all of our products, delivers meaningful innovation to our consumers’ lives” said YG Choi, Senior Vice President of PC Business Team, Samsung Electronics. “Designed in partnership with Microsoft, the Samsung HMD Odyssey transports consumers to the next frontier of Windows Mixed Reality, which introduces to them to a new, industry leading virtual reality experience.”

Lifelike Experiences

With dual 3.5-inch AMOLED displays, the Samsung HMD Odyssey delivers more vibrant colors, and deeper blacks, providing crisper, more lifelike images. The 110-degree field of view allows users to discover paramount virtual experiences around them.

When it comes to sound, the Samsung HMD Odyssey comes with 360° Spatial Sound, providing users with complete surround sound, through premium built-in AKG headphones.

Users can also talk with other gamers, without having to remove the headset, using the fitted array mic.

Incredibly Easy Start

The Windows Mixed Reality experience with the Samsung HMD Odyssey has been designed to give users the very best experience right out of the box. Unlike typical head-mounted displays, you do not need to install any extra motion sensors – simply connect to your PC and get started. With inside-out position tracking, users are not restricted to a limited space during their virtual reality experience.

For a more immersive experience, Samsung HMD Odyssey comes with a Six Degrees of Freedom¹ (6 DOF) sensor allowing for intuitive and natural movements.

With an adjustable control wheel, the Samsung HMD Odyssey is designed to provide a comfortable and snug fit.

Alex Kipman, Technical Fellow at Microsoft said, “We’re excited to welcome the Samsung HMD Odyssey to the Windows Mixed Reality family of devices. This is an incredible product and another important step for the mixed reality journey we are on at Microsoft.  With the Samsung HMD Odyssey, the team at Samsung has developed a Windows Mixed Reality headset that will delight our fans looking to immersive themselves in the world of mixed reality this holiday.”

The Samsung HMD Odyssey comes with integrated AKG headphones and array mics for voice commands, as well as two motion controllers. The Samsung HMD Odyssey will be available later this year in the US, China, Korea, Brazil and Hong Kong, with pre-orders beginning in the US only on October 3^rd.

Source : Samsung

Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What's the difference?

The main difference between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is size. Neither is more "advanced" than the other. But the Pixel 2 XL has a higher screen resolution and pixel density. It has a bigger battery to accommodate the larger screen, too.  

GOOGLE PIXEL 2 VS. PIXEL 2 XL

	Google Pixel 2	Google Pixel 2 XL
Display size, resolution	5-inch; 1,920x1,080 pixels	6-inch; 2,880x1x440 pixels
Pixel density	441 ppi	538 ppi
Aspect ratio	16:9	18:9
Dimensions (Inches)	5.7x2.7x0.3 in	6.2x3.0x0.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	145.7x69.7x7.8 mm	157.9x76.7x7.9 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	5.04 oz; 143g	6.17 oz; 175g
Colors	Just Black, Cleary , Kinda Blue	Just Black, Black and

with thanks : CNET : LINK : for more details

Super Performer Brand Next Gen VERNA Receives Strong Customer Response

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the number one car exporter since inception announced a remarkable feat of recently launched Next Gen VERNA in India. The Super sedan has received more than 15,000 Bookings and more than 124,000 enquiries in just 40 days of its launch in India. 

On Overwhelming customers’ response of Next Gen VERNA Mr. Y K Koo, MD & CEO- Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “The Next Gen VERNA is intelligent by Design - A global product that personifies Hyundai’s Modern Premium Brand. As committed despite the production constraint; we will deliver 12,000 cars before Diwali and 20,000 cars by end of this year at an introductory price. We are happy with great response to Next Gen VERNA and thank our customers and media for their trust in Hyundai Brand.”

With over 8.8 million customers in 66 countries, The Next Gen VERNA is admired brand globally. The Next Gen VERNA is beyond the ordinary and is built on All New K2 platform sharing with Hyundai’s Global Bestseller Elantra, The Next Gen VERNA is a technological marvel developed with Futuristic Design, Dynamic Performance, Super safety, New Technology & Advanced Features.

The Next Gen VERNA is available in both powerful 1.6 litre - Petrol and Diesel engine options. The Next Gen VERNA offers high standards of Ride and Handling along with low NVH offers highest levels of comfort to occupants. Next Gen VERNA is an All-rounder car with Human Technology Connect and 21 Unique New Age Features.

Source : Hyundai

Tata Motors becomes the first OEM in India to deploy Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Tata Motors Limited, a leading Global Automobile Manufacturer showcased the new safety technology – Electronic Stability Control (ESCsmart™) for the range of PRIMA and SIGNA trucks at an event in Chennai today. In addition to this, it also offers Automatic Traction Control (ATC) and Hill Start Aid (HSA) safety technology for the range of trucks and buses which will go a long way in helping prevent truck and bus accidents by increasing vehicle stability and safety.

Developed in partnership with WABCO INDIA, these technologies provide complete value to customers by providing vehicle stability, reducing accident risk, repair cost and improving vehicle uptime, thus enhancing road safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)  functionality is added on Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) which was introduced as a part of regulatory compliance as per CENTRAL MOTORS Vehicle Rules promulgated by Govt. of India for all vehicles more than 12 ton GVW. While ABS contributes significantly to the safety of vehicles under different road conditions, ESC takes the safety to the next level by providing safety under demanding conditions of various handling maneuvers, thereby preventing or minimizing the probability of accidents. This clearly demonstrates Tata Motors’ proactive approach of making available to the INDIAN Truck and Fleet Operators, class-leading technologies through intensive R&D and deep understanding of the operating conditions in India.

Functionally ESC predicts forthcoming instability and automatically intervenes by applying brakes to avoid rollover, skidding and jack-knifing. It measures vehicle’s lateral acceleration, roll about its vertical axis through sensors, and applies brakes on selective wheels to control instability. Benefits to the customers shall be in terms of preventing jack-knifing in tractor-trailer, improve directional stability during dynamic maneuvers, prevent roll over during turning at high speed.

ESC shall be available on Prima – Tractors 4025.S, 4925 and Trucks 2523T, 3123T and 3723T and Signa LPS 4018 and LPS 4923 as well as LPT platforms of 25T, 31T and 37T.

Some of these safety technologies include:

Automatic Traction Control- Prevents wheel spin during acceleration under different surface conditions, especially slippery surface like mining, water and ice. Prevents loss of traction of one or more wheels. This further helps Increase tyre life by averting loss of traction of one or more wheels.

Hill Start Aid- Prevents roll back of vehicle during "Stop & Go" situation on an uphill gradient and helps minimize clutch and brake liner wear.

Source : Tata Motors

Mercedes-Benz ‘Edition C’ hosts new exterior and interior upgrades

Pune: India‘s largest luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz today, enhanced its C-Class portfolio with the addition of the new ‘Edition C’. The ‘Edition C’ hosts new exterior and interior upgrades, enhancing the sportiness of the existing C-Class. With the Edition C, Mercedes-Benz now adds yet another exciting paint option to the C-Class in India–the designo Hyacinth red. The C Class ‘Edition C’ was launched by Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, and will be available across all Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the country, from today.

Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “In today’s dynamic market, constant upgrade of our products is essential for effective life cycle management, and it remains key to our product strategy. At Mercedes-Benz, it remains our endeavour to always keep the customers excited and offer them a fresh product portfolio. Be it latest introductions from our global portfolio, mid-life facelifts or upgrades of existing models, our regular product interventions keep our portfolio new and customers intrigued. The C-Class had been a spectacular success story in the Indian market and has sold over 27,500 units since its debut in India. We are confident that the ‘Edition C’ will retain its top billing and discerning customers will find a lot of value in the product”.

Specification: Exterior

• First: New paint option: designo Hyacinth red

• Front apron spoiler lip and rear spoiler painted in black

• 5 twin spoke light alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish

• ‘Edition C’ exterior badge

• Night package – front twin louvres, mirror housings, beltline and side skirts in black

• LED logo projector for front doors to welcome owners with Mercedes-Benz logo

Specifications: Interior

• Interior cabin with Open-pore black ash wood trim finish

• Sports pedal in stainless steel with embossed rubber studs

• Garmin® Map Pilot SD card navigation system standard across variants of the ‘Edition C’

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class ‘Edition C’ is available with C 200, C 220 d and C 250 d Avantgarde variants. 

Source : Mercedes-Benz

Maruti, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Honda, Mahindra & many others showing Positive signs of Growth in September 2017

Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 163,071 units in September 2017, growing 9.3% over the same period of last fiscal. This includes 151,400 units in the domestic market and 11,671 units of exports. The Company had sold a total of 149,143 units in September 2016.

Tata Motors - Strong growth in Pick-up (50%), SCV (40%), ILCV (34%) & MHCV (25%) segments drives Tata Motors commercial vehicles sales higher by 29% in Sept 2017

Similarly, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.) today announced its auto sales performance for September 2017 which stood at 53,663 vehicles, compared to 46130 vehicles during September 2016, representing a growth of 16%.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd also registered the domestic sales of 50,028 units for the month of September 2017 with a growth of 17.4%.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, registered monthly domestic sales of 18,257 units in September 2017 against 15,034 units in the corresponding month last year, registering a growth of 21%.

TVS Motor Company registered a sales growth of 23% increasing from 293,257 units in September 2016 to 359,850 units registered in the month of September 2017.

Does it mean, Country is coming out of the issues raised by Note Bandi as well as the new GST sentiments? Good signs at last. Hope the economy will start recovering now.