Airtel offers iPhone 7 at just Rs 7777

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s largest telecom services provider, announced the launch of its latest digital innovation – the Online Store [www.airtel.in/onlinestore] that will offer a range of premium smartphones with affordable down payments, instant credit verification and financing, and bundled monthly plans.

Airtel’s Online Store went LIVE today with Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus variants and the company plans to add devices from all leading brands to the store’s offerings in the near future.

The iPhone 7 (32 GB) is available at a down payment of just Rs 7777 and 24 monthly installments of Rs 2499. The monthly installments have a built-in high-end postpaid plan which offers 30 GB data, unlimited calling (local, STD, national roaming), and Airtel Secure package that covers the device against any physical damage and offers cyber protection.

Airtel’s Online Store launch is part of Project Next – Airtel’s digital innovation program aimed at transforming customer experience across all of its services and touch points. Airtel plans to invest up to Rs 2000 crores under Project Nextto launch several exciting digital innovations to step change the simplicity and interactivity of the Airtel customer experience.

Airtel’s Online Store is an integrated digital platform aimed at making it easier for customers to upgrade to smartphones they always aspired for, without the constraint of high put-down prices and cumbersome financing schemes. All smartphones on the platform will come with down payments that are a fraction of the market price of the device and the convenience of easy monthly instalments with a built in postpaid plan. The postpaid plan will offer large bundles of data, unlimited calling and device protection package, allowing customers to enjoy the device to the fullest on India’s leading smartphone network.

The entire Online Store journey is digitally enabled, right from purchasing the device to instant financing and plan activations, all within a few clicks over a computer or a smartphone/tablet. The device will get delivered to the customer’s doorstep. 

Harmeen Mehta, Global CIO & Director – Engineering, Bharti Airtel said, “This is yet another exciting digital innovation from Airtel to delight customers. Not only are we making it easier for millions of customers to upgrade to devices they always wanted, we are also making the entire process seamless and simple through digital technologies. Imagine getting your dream device, instant credit to purchase it and a great plan to go with it, all available in one place with a few clicks. All this is a product of some cutting-edge digital engineering by the in-house teams at Airtel. We would also like to thank our partners for integrating their APIs seamlessly with our platform to enable a great customer experience.”

Airtel has partnered with Apple Inc., HDFC Bank, Clix Capital, Seynse Technologies, Brightstar Telecommunications and Vulcan Express to enable the digital experience on its Online Store.

Airtel’s Online Store services are currently available to customers in 21 cities across India and will be expanded to other cities and towns shortly.

How to get your favourite device on Airtel’s Online Store in four easy steps:

1. Go to www.airtel.in/onlinestore and select the device of your choice
2. Check your eligibility and get instant loan approvals
3. Make the down payment for phone
4. The device will be delivered to your preferred location/address

Source: Airtel

iPhone X available for pre-order on Friday, October 27

iPhone X, the future of the smartphone, featuring a revolutionary new design with a stunning all-screen display, wireless charging and an incredible rear camera with dual optical image stabilization, will be available to customers for pre-order on Friday, October 27.

iPhone X will be available in more than 55 countries and territories, and in Apple Stores beginning Friday, November 3. Authorised Apple Resellers will have iPhone X available for walk-in customers, who are encouraged to arrive early.

iPhone X features a gorgeous all-glass and stainless steel design with a beautiful 5.8-inch Super Retina display, an A11 Bionic chip with the neural engine for powerful machine learning, augmented reality and immersive 3D gaming experiences, wireless charging and Face ID, delivering an innovative and secure new way to unlock, authenticate and pay. The TrueDepth camera that enables Face ID brings Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting to the front camera for beautiful selfies with a depth-of-field effect and enables Animoji, which captures and analyses over 50 different facial muscle movements to bring emoji to life in a fun new way. A redesigned rear camera with dual optical image stabilization includes a new color filter, deeper pixels, an improved Apple-designed image signal processor and features Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting allowing customers to capture stunning photos and videos. The all-glass front and back on iPhone X feature the most durable glass ever in a smartphone in two beautiful finishes, silver and space grey.

Pricing and Availability

• iPhone X will be available in silver and space grey in 64GB and 256GB models starting at INR 89,000 MRP available through Apple Authorised Resellers and carriers.
• Customers will be able to pre-order iPhone X beginning Friday, October 27, with availability beginning Friday, November 3, in Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK, theUS and US Virgin Islands
• Apple-designed accessories including leather and silicone cases in a range of colors will be available starting at INR 3,500 while a new iPhone X Leather Folio will be available for INR 8,600. Lightning Docks in color-matching metallic finishes will also be available for INR4,700.

Source: Apple

Micromax and Vodafone launch India’s lowest priced 4G Smartphone for just Rs 999/-

Vodafone, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers and Micromax, the foremost Indian mobile brand, today announced the launch of India’s lowest priced 4G Smartphone with Vodafone SuperNet 4G connection for just Rs.999/-. 

With a combined vision of accelerating the growth of data adoption, Vodafone and Micromax will work collaboratively to introduce the best consumer mobile experience. The smartphone ‘Bharat2 Ultra’ is a new smartphone under Micromax’s successful 4G smartphone ‘Bharat series’ that aims to bring a better camera, battery and display options for the new smartphone users in the most affordable category.

Under this partnership, the existing and new Vodafone customers will have to buy Micromax Bharat-2 Ultra smartphone priced at Rs.2,899/- and will have to simply do a recharge of at least Rs 150/- per month for 36 months.(The recharges can be of any denomination totaling to a minimum of Rs. 150/- per month.) At the end of 18 months, users will receive a cashback of Rs. 900/- and after another 18 months, a cashback of Rs. 1,000/- respectively, in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets, enabling them to transact digitally or withdraw cash, as per their convenience.

Commented Mr. Rahul Sharma, Co-founder, Micromax, “The Bharat-Series, has been aimed at the acquisition of the first generation smartphone users. This partnership with Vodafone will help bring in the next phase of smartphone adoption by hand-holding consumers to upgrade them from feature phones to smartphones. We believe that greater device affordability and low-cost data packs will drive increased smartphone adoption, as there is still a huge gap. At Micromax, we want to give superior device experience in an affordable way and Bharat range is a testimony of the same, having already sold more than 2 million handsets.”

Speaking about this offer, Avneesh Khosla, Associate Director – Consumer Business, Vodafone India said, “We are delighted to partner with Micromax to democratize the 4G smartphones at a never before price of under Rs. 999/- This will help fulfill the aspirations of several million phone users across the country who desire a smartphone but couldn’t afford one. It will also encourage current non-users of 4G to upgrade and enjoy a richer user experience with Vodafone SuperNet 4G.”

About Micromax Bharat Series: Aimed at the budget conscious first-generation smartphone users in the country, Bharat Series has already seen an adoption amongst 2 million users. With better Camera, battery and display options, the series has given impeccable options to first-time smartphone users that are first in the category.

Bharat-2 Ultra features an aesthetic design, powered by Spreadtrum SC9832 1.3Ghz Quad Core processor with 512MB RAM + 4GB ROM. On display, the phone has 4” WVGA display and has the 2MP rear camera with the 0.3MP front camera. The device also comes with different camera modes like scene, frame, and burst which at the entry level of smartphones is a feature that users will enjoy. The handset runs on Android Marshmallow with 1300 mAh battery and supports full video viewing, social networking, and chat apps to give a complete smartphone experience to users.

Source: Vodafone / Micromax

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Sentra

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Nissan Sentra, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pricing starts at $16,9901 for the Sentra S with 6-speed manual transmission – unchanged from the previous model year.

The Nissan Sentra continues to be one of the brand's top-selling and most recognized nameplates – a mainstay in the compact sedan segment for more than 35 years and seven generations. Following the addition of the new Sentra NISMO and Sentra SR Turbo models for 2017, Sentra is again offered in a full range of trim and performance levels – including two powertrains and a choice of manual or Xtronic transmissions.

For the 2018 model year, Sentra receives a number of enhancements designed to up its already strong desirability equation.

Key 2018 Sentra changes include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) now standard on all grade levels (except manual transmission-equipped and Sentra NISMO models)
• RearView Monitor and 5.0-inch color display with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Siri® Eyes-Free added as standard on S grade (now available on all models)
• Standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels added to SV grade
• Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control now standard on SV grade and above
• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) now standard on SR 1.8L and SL grades
• Revised option package naming and content
• Previous SL Premium Tech Package content now standard on SL grade, including moonroof, Bose® Premium Audio System, and NissanConnectSM Services Powered by Sirius XM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Previous NISMO Tech Package content now standard on Sentra NISMO grade.

Source: Nissan

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Maxima

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Nissan Maxima, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. It is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum, each equipped with a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission.

For 2018, Nissan's flagship sedan adds standard Android Auto™ (in addition to Apple CarPlay™), two available rear USB charge ports, a revised color palette including new premium Carnelian Red color, and new black accents are added to its dramatic V-motion grille. The 2018 Maxima also carries over the late 2017 model year additions of standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on all grade levels.

Maxima again offers a distinctively upscale look that features a wide stance, bold front end, Nissan signature V-Motion grille, LED daytime running lights and floating roof appearance. Its bespoke-style interior design offers available Ascot premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shape steering wheel.

The standard 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine is matched with a performance-oriented Xtronic transmission featuring D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The refined handling and ride comfort of the Maxima start with a 4-wheel independent suspension with monotube rear shock absorbers. The sporty Maxima SR grade features unique tuning and 19-inch wheels and tires to add even more performance.

Available technology features include standard NissanConnectSM with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The system includes an 8.0-inch touch-screen display, along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ applications (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). Maxima Platinum models include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The system's wide range of features includes automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and more (six-month free trial; subscription required, sold separately).

The 2018 Maxima also offers an extensive range of available safety, security and driving aids, including Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, with engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

Source: Nissan

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Rogue

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Rogue crossover, which goes on sale October 24 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pricing starts at $24,6802 for the Rogue S front-wheel-drive model. Already the number one selling Nissan model throughout the 2017 model year, Rogue receives a number of significant enhancements for 2018 – led by the addition of available ProPILOT™ Assist technology, which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving.

ProPILOT™ Assist is the foundation for the fully autonomous vehicles of the future, helping drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. And, it is all done with a simple two-button operation. ProPILOT™ Assist is available on the 2018 Rogue SL grade as part of the Platinum Package.

Among the other enhancements to the 2018 Rogue:

• NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and one additional USB port (inside front center console box) added to all grades
• Standard Motion-Activated Liftgate added to SV grade (in addition to SL grade)
• SL grade adds standard Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
• Revised Midnight Edition Package (SV grade) with new black front and rear fascia accents, black rear license plate finisher, black V-motion grille, black emblems (late availability)
• SV Sun and Sound Touring Package revised to include Premium Package content
• Revised SV Premium Package with added Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and memory driver’s seat and outside mirrors
• Revised SL Platinum Package with ProPILOT™ Assist (Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range and hold, steering assist) and electronic parking brake (replaces foot release parking brake)
• Two new exterior colors: Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine

Source: Nissan

Samsung’s SmartThings Cloud: Bringing the IoT Dream to Life

There was a time, not so long ago, that the idea of a small device as the absolute center of all your communications was a fantasy. These days, most of us cannot remember what life was like before smartphones.  When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), most people still see the idea of a seamlessly connected “smart” home as something well into the future; something we see in movies but beyond our reach.  Despite compelling industry statistics (according to the technology experts at Gartner, in a little more than two years, there will be 20.4 billion connected devices in the world), the reality of IoT for many is one rife with complications and unanswered questions.

The visual of IoT is a compelling one: With a simple command or touch of a button, you can control the light bulbs in your living room, lock your back door and set the alarm for the garage door. And while developers and manufacturers all around the world are working hard to create their own smart IoT devices and solutions, few are compatible with each other. What this means for consumers who are keen to make their homes “smart” is a lot of work: how many different apps and what level of tech expertise will they need in order to have their devices work in sync? There are also concerns around privacy and security – surely all this technology means more risk of exposure. While there’s great appeal in the fantasy of the “smart” home, the barrier is all the work it will take to make this a reality.

Samsung believes in a future where our digital world is as ubiquitous and essential as electricity, with security so effective you almost won’t have to think about it. It will just work, on demand and just the way you want it; no need to interact with many different apps to achieve results. With their unified approach, they will deliver a truly integrated experience that touches every single “thing” around our customers – while ensuring privacy and security.

For over 40 years, the user experience is what has driven Samsung to develop technologies that – to put it simply – make people’s lives easier. While the features and products are important, the inspiration behind our IoT offering is the same: the tangible benefits for consumers. With Samsung Connect bringing together our appliances, TVs, and other everyday items (such as light bulbs and locks) to one touch control on your smartphone, ARTIK as our secure IoT platform, and of course, with SmartThings’ open and easy integration solution , they are closer than ever in transforming the “smart” home fantasy into a reality. What’s more, with the introduction of new cellular network infrastructure that can better support IoT, they are looking to expand the IoT experience beyond the boundaries of the smart home. Most importantly, they are removing the barriers and bringing them all together in one, integrated IoT experience.

Recently at the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC 2017), they announced SmartThings Cloud, which will unite all of our IoT clouds into a single powerful platform. Through this new platform and vision for more powerful intelligence through Bixby 2.0, also announced at SDC 2017, they are working to democratize IoT with intelligence that is easy to use and accessible for everyone.

Source: Samsung

Hyundai N 2025 Vision GT Concept Returns in Gran Turismo Sport

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 17, 2017 – One of the most exhilarating concepts to come out of Hyundai’s design studios makes a triumphant return today in Polyphony Digital’s hotly anticipated next-generation racing simulation, Gran Turismo Sport, now on sale for the PlayStation 4.

The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is Hyundai’s entry in GT Sport’s top racing class, Group 1, where it competes against other manufacturers’ Vision Gran Turismo projects and a multitude of well-known real-world prototype racing cars from different manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bugatti, and McLaren.

“The N 2025 Vision GT is our ambitious take on what we think prototype racing could look like in the not-too-distant future. We’re thrilled to see it presented anew in one of the most visually stunning racing simulations ever created,” said Chris Chapman, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, CA. “This concept is a point of pride for Hyundai on so many fronts. It effortlessly combines beauty and function as a racing car, and it boasts a fuel-cell powertrain that is as progressive as the bodywork wrapped around it. It’s exciting to know that players who drive it in Gran Turismo Sport can now do so in pursuit of a real FIA Championship that’s exclusive to the game.”

The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is joined by four other Hyundai race cars, each based on the Genesis Coupe, and each tied to a specific in-game racing class:

• Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (N class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.3 (Group 3 class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.4 (Group 4 class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.B Rally Car (Group B class)

Source: Hyundai

About Eco Fashion Week Australia 2017

Eco Fashion Week Australia will collaborate with the designers, artists, activists, community, media, businesses and educational programs, as well as the local Governments, to raise awareness for environmentally conscious fashion. With Eco fashion weeks spreading across the globe, it is only natural for Kuvan-Mills to take the wheel in her own beloved home of Perth, Australia. The initiative she has taken to implement Australia’s first and very own Eco fashion celebration will strike a chord with designers, fashionistas and media alike.

This innovative, forward-thinking event will feature, exclusive informative discussions, exhibitions, hands-on workshops and incredible runway shows showcasing the best in organic, handmade, local, re/upcycled fair-trade, ethical fashion, traditional, and textiles.

Eco Fashion Week Australia is proudly supported by TCFWA, TCF Australia, TCF Global, Australian Made Campaign , Fly By Night Musicians Club, Taylors Art and Coffee House, Green Embassy, Dowerin GWN Machinery Field Days, Eco Beach, Loig’s Music Lab, Dene Selby Modelling Agency, Rainforest Rescue, RSPCA-Reloved Fashion, Mercado32, Vivify Textiles, Salon Express, Curtin University, and ECU along with Media Partners Eluxe Magazine, The Bahamas Weekly, Peppermint, Olio by Marilyn, Style Drama, Textile Beat and MOCHNI.COM, Kristen Leo. The Green Hub, Eco Warrior Princess, Tommie.

Source: ECO FASHION WEEK

‘’The Daintree Rainforest – a worldwide treasure that needs to be protected at all costs.”

The Daintree Rainforest, a worldwide treasure that needs to be protected at all costs’’- David Attenborough

Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) – Australia’s first international Eco-fashion week – is being held in Perth on the 23-27th of November. The event is committed to promoting sustainable fashion both in Australia and globally, and to working with established organizations to protect our environment and wildlife.

The world’s rainforests are disappearing rapidly, with 65.000 hectares cleared or significantly degraded every single day. Australia’s Daintree Rainforest is of international conservation importance and recognized as are the most regional ecosystem in the world. Planting rainforest trees will help to restore the rainforest and serve to protect its many species of plants and animals from extinction.

EFWA has committed to collaborate and support the efforts of Rainforest Rescue year-round by participating as a sponsor in their project, ‘Plant a Rainforest.” On the 5th of September, EFWA 2017 designers planted the event’s very first trees at Daintree in an area of the rainforest previously cleared for sugar cane production. EFWA2017 Eco designers were represented at this event by Queenslander locals who planted new trees on their behalf.

“EFWA will be supporting Conservation work of Rainforest Rescue work with our tickets during the busy week.” – Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, CEO of EFWA and former Conservation, Environmental and Animal Science lecturer of UK.

In support of Rainforest Rescue’s efforts to safeguard, protect the biodiversity of our Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, and ensure its survival for future generations, EFWA will be donating $5.00 from every single ticket sold during Eco Fashion Week Australia 2017, a practice that will be continued each year.

EFWA places community, sustainability, and education at its core while promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education. The event will run from the 23rd – 27th of November 2017. The week will include fashion shows, free workshop, an Eco seminar series called Disposable Planet (to be held at Curtin University) and a and pop-up shop at the RSPCA’s Reloved boutique featuring Australian Designers with a percentage of sale donated to their programs.

Source: EcoFashionWeek