Bidisha Mitra, Author at Exhibit Tech

Screw Up: Byju’s Flurry of Mistakes

Byju’s had humble beginnings. Byju Raveendran, a hopeful and talented tutor to his peers, began Byju’s with his wife, Divya Gokulnath, in 2011. Before that, he was a service engineer who learnt of his teaching penchant by helping his friends crack the CAT exam in 2003. 2007 is when he decided to expand his services. The company started with a much smaller class size but saw significant growth. The focus was on online video-based learning programs catering to K-12 and preparations for competitive exams.

In 2015, Byju’s launched an app, Byju’s: The Learning App, as smartphone screen sizes grew. They also launched a Parent Connect app and a kid-oriented app. But more importantly, they expanded to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and other international markets. They estimated at least 150 million users, 900,000 paid users, and an average of 71 minutes of screen time in 2018. They became the first Ed-Tech unicorn in the same year, earning $1 billion in revenue.

We have observed all this success in the past but they seem to be on the news all the time and not for good reasons. So where did Byju’s go wrong?

Follow up with our Instagram series, Saturday Screw Ups: Byju’s

COVID-19 and The Struggle to Catch Up

Ed-Tech undeniably rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and Byju’s was a leading example for the Ed-Tech industry. They acquired several Ed-Tech startups, including those in the international market. Byju’s expanded but at what cost? Their expansive plans created major cash-flow problems and a $1.2 billion loan caused disputes with their creditors. More seriously, there were allegations of a toxic work culture. Employees were unable to leave until 10 pm, sick leaves were not a concept, and verbal abuse was a daily observation. There was immense pressure to acquire more customers by any means to regain revenue.

In 2023, their valuation of $22 billion in 2022 was cut by 75%, causing layoffs as well as accusations of financial mismanagement. Their parent company, Think & Learn Pvt Ltd., was scrutinised for being unable to pay PF money to their employees. Moreover, Facebook and Google discontinued their ads after they failed to pay their ad dues.

Aggressive Marketing and Sales Practices

Relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the disaster at Byju’s continued strong. Seeing their online presence getting strong, they went all out with marketing. However, their strategies were overwhelming. They were endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan and included several advertisements featuring the superstar. But in 2023, Shah Rukh Khan and Byju’s did not want to be associated with one another and mutually ended their contract.

Byju’s had already moved on to Lionel Messi as their brand ambassador in 2022 with a 3-year contract. However, this move was met with severe criticism by the public. Employee layoffs were at a peak with 2,500 losing their jobs. Their deal with Messi backfired as their previously mentioned financial mismanagement caused them to have inadequate funds. They have now kept Messi’s ambassadorship on hold. We don’t see chances of it recovering. They ended up sponsoring several events, like the Indian Premier League and FIFA.

After the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, students began to prefer and resume offline classes. Being physically present has proven to be the more effective method of studying. Byju’s method of learning turned out to be less relevant with this sudden change. They had no game plan and resorted to an aggressive style of marketing.

Loan Fraud: They Went That Far

As mentioned earlier, employees were pressured to acquire customers through any means. An example of this is a report of an employee telling parents their children would fail if they didn’t subscribe to Byju’s program. This is incredibly manipulative but not unheard of for businesses. There were other strategies, like following up constantly with people they forced to download the app as well as opt for the 15-day free trial. Again, following up is a common strategy. However, if you fail to live up to those expectations, that’s another story.

The quality of Byju’s classes also took a major fall with their financial struggle. Students and parents felt cheated and misled. Moreover, their courses cost as much as 1.35 Lakhs. Pushing these courses onto people, especially those of low income, is unjustifiable. It also turns out that lower-income customers were taken advantage of and taking loans to afford these courses. Considering it is incredibly tedious to get a loan in India, it was questionable how their customers would be able to get a loan. Byju’s had lending partnerships and essentially acted as guarantors for their customers. This strategy is known as the First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG). In short, if the customer fails to pay, Byju’s is held responsible and pays for them.

Massive Financial Mismanagement and Legal Issues

Byju’s acquired companies as if it were a hobby for them. They acquired Aakash Institute for $950 million, WhiteHat Jr for $300 million and 17 other companies. This made them face an increase in expenses, not making it worth the increase in users. Except for Aakash Institute, not all of them were profitable. Byju’s faced significant losses because of their overzealous acquisition.

Byju’s also failed to repay a $300 million loan from Singaporean firm Redwood Global Investments but was undertaken after a deal of a $500 million loan was given in 2022. However, these financial mishaps caused Deloitte to pull back from Byju’s and subsequently Prosus, Sequoia, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative also left Byju’s board. Byju’s fell into legal trouble due to these factors, facing a lawsuit filed by

Redwood Global Investments. Moreover, as of February 2024, Byju Raveendran has a lookout notice issued to him by India’s economic intelligence and law enforcement entity Enforcement Directorate.

What are the key lessons learned from Byju’s and how can you apply them to your business?

Proper accounting practice: To especially avoid financial irregularities and legal troubles, businesses should maintain a healthy cash flow and debt ratio, keep contingency plans in place, and avoid overwhelming their assets. Byju’s were overzealous in both marketing and taking out loans to meet dues. This is a terrible move that can sink your company.
Maintain trust and respect: Byju’s lost respect in two important ways: Respect of their customers and their board members. Not only did parents and students feel completely cheated, but their board members were frustrated by their financial incompetence. Choosing quantity over quality can jeopardise the trust you keep with your partners.
Healthy work culture: The employees make the company. Treating your employees like robots will get you nowhere and Byju’s proves that. Pressuring them, keeping them until 10 pm, no sick leaves, and verbal abuse are the only public knowledge we have of Byju’s deeds. Make sure your employees have a great work-life balance and maintain a patient attitude.

Recycling E-Waste Should Be Common Practise

In a world that needs to address the climate crisis, sustainability is at the top of everyone’s mind. Sustainability is achieved through maintaining proper ecological systems and one of the biggest problems to tackle is electronic waste (E-waste). Despite the goal of reducing waste, every year millions of electronic devices get thrown away after they no longer serve their purpose, whether due to broken components that make it unusable or people’s desire to upgrade. It is imperative now more than ever to learn how to manage E-waste.

What is Electronic Waste?

E-waste is electronic devices and appliances that are disposed of. These can include computers, phones, TVs, tablets, and many more. These devices have components of harmful substances, such as cobalt, lead, mercury, etc., that do not decompose and become extremely toxic to the environment. When mixed with soil, it can negatively affect living beings and organisms. That is why it’s important to know how and where to recycle them to make them useful and safe.

How Does E-Waste Pose as a Problem?

Newer technology has become an endless loop. People are more enticed towards upgrading their tech rather than being satisfied with their existing products. E-waste will be found, unfortunately, more likely in working condition than broken equipment. While new tech is built to be more convenient and sharper, it doesn’t compensate for the adverse environmental effects. E-waste presents health hazards to the public when not recycled. Moreover, it contributes to air pollution in the form of fine dust or toxic gasses after going through the process of shredding or dismantling. Not to mention when in contact with water bodies, it also harms our aquatic life that already faces plenty of mistreatment.

Reducing E-Waste: Easy Steps You Can Take

Checking the product’s lifespan before buying: Avoid trendy products with short lifespans which will predictably die out soon. This is a very simple step you can check yourself.
Check the packaging: Does the product have an environmental seal? The packaging will usually have the seal of approval from respected organisations or government agencies.
Learn about electronic components: Being conscious about the different components and what they are made of will make you more aware of what toxins you might get exposed to. This can prevent unnecessary complications later on.
Donations: Sometimes when you are done with an electronic device but can’t sell it off, the best alternative is to donate. This way someone who needs it can use it for longer rather than being disposed of in a landfill.
Limiting your electronic use: This tip is easier said than done but limiting purchasing of electronic devices can also help bring down the excess demand happening in the market.
Normalise recycling into your daily life: This is the most important and easy tip to practise. Recycling ensures that your products are safely converted into something new as well as do not end up in landfills and harm the environment.
Maintain the electronics you currently use: This might seem difficult but learning how to maintain different electronics and their components will help extend their lifespan. You can get the most out of your equipment by practising sustainability yourself.

Future of Transportation is Solar-Powered

Asad Abdullah, a 22-year-old Indian entrepreneur from Uttar Pradesh, has demonstrated the future of environmental security with his new solar-powered electronic bike. Abdullah claims that he made the bike from scraps with his KTM bike.

What is the Solar Powered E-Bike?

Abdullah recently posted a video on his Instagram account (@asadabdullah62), showcasing the e-bike. The video shows a seven-seater e-bike, one for the driver and six passengers. What makes it stand out even more is the solar panel canopy over the heads of the people in the vehicle. It charges the e-bike while also providing shade for people in the vehicle. It looks comfortable to drive and ride in, all the while being completely safe for the environment.

Abdullah has estimated an amount of ₹8000 to ₹10,000 for its creation, a fairly affordable and convenient vehicle. His invention can also top 125km/hr and covers at least 130km on a single charge. It has impressed people like the current chairman of RPG Enterprises, Harsh Goenka. (Link)

So much sustainable innovation in one product – produced from scrap, seven seater vehicle, solar energy and shade from the sun! Frugal innovations like this make me proud of our India! pic.twitter.com/rwx1GQBNVW

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 29, 2023

How Have E-Vehicles Improved Climate and Economic Conditions?

It’s not new that the climate crisis is getting worse day-by-day and actions need to be taken. One of the largest contributors to climate change is vehicular emissions. Not only is the danger level rising but also prices have become pretty much unreasonable. Due to the urgency of finding a solution, electric vehicles have become popular around the world. They have played a major role in improving traffic conditions and reducing carbon emissions.

Another unspoken advantage is how much quieter electric vehicles are and Abdullah’s e-bike is not only great for the environment but also protects their riders from the sun with its convenient canopy. Noise pollution greatly impacts people’s health, and the increase in electric vehicles tackles this directly. The quieter, the better! Abdullah’s e-bike is also much more affordable than gas-powered vehicles. He decided to tinker with his original bike after spending nearly ₹6000 per month on fuel alone and wanted a more economical alternative.

Learning DIY Tech Yourself

Abdullah’s passion for inventing and DIYing knows no bounds. His YouTube channel, Homemade Creative, has a range of products that he has modified himself. The best part about his channel is its informative nature. His description box has all the gear you need to make these products yourself. More importantly, he has a website dedicated to teaching you how to make your own electronic bike. This is incredibly helpful and only costs ₹599 and is guided by him. He also does reviews of the best accessible technology.

Sony Unveils PS5 Slim and Inzone Audio Accessories at Mumbai Comic Con 2024

On 20th April, we were delighted to be invited by Sony to attend Mumbai Comic Con 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre. Sony created excitement amongst gaming enthusiasts as they unveiled the much-anticipated PlayStation 5 Slim. This launch marked a significant moment for gamers in India, as they eagerly awaited the sleeker and more compact version of Sony’s flagship console.

At the heart of the event was not just the PS5 Slim itself, but also the accompanying accessories that Sony introduced- the Inzone headphones and earbuds. These accessories promised to enhance the immersive gaming experience that the PS5 is known for, delivering crystal-clear audio and ergonomic design. I got to try out the Inzone Headset myself and it is well-worth the accompaniment of your gaming PC and PS5. The launch event was nothing short of spectacular, featuring interactive showcases where attendees could experience firsthand the power and capabilities of the PS5. From stunning graphics to lightning-fast loading times, the console left a lasting impression on all who tried it.

One of the event’s highlights was a gaming competition where the winner had the chance to win a PS5. Gamers showcased their skills, battling it out for the coveted prize in intense gaming sessions. In addition to the gaming competition, there were other exciting casual competitions where attendees could win accessories by participating in quizzes centred around the popular anime series, Demon Slayer. This added a fun and engaging element to the event, bringing together gaming and anime fans to celebrate pop culture.

Overall, the launch of the PS5 Slim at the Mumbai Comic Con was a resounding success, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the opportunity to get their hands on the latest offering from Sony. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and exciting lineup of accessories, the PS5 Slim promises to redefine the gaming experience for years to come.

Canon India Enhances Broadcasting with 4K Camera Controller & 4K Indoor Remote Camera

On April 15, 2024, Canon India launched 2 top-of-the-line products–The 4K Remote PTZ Camera Controller (RC-IP1000) and the 4K Indoor Remote PTZ Camera (CR-N100). The RC-IP1000 is a remote camera system controller for video production workplaces to meet the standard of event live-streaming and broadcasting. The CR-N100, on the other hand, is a remote indoor camera featuring a compact body and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ). This provides the advanced tech needed for enhanced streaming and video recording in situations where meetings and classes are held.

Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, the President and CEO of Canon India, remarks about their newest addition:

“As the volume of video content continues to rise in India, the RC-IP1000 remote controller has been much awaited by the industry as it exemplifies seamless control of remote PTZ cameras and contributes to efficient labour-saving workflows. The remote controller can easily manage as many as 200 individual camera units at one time. Complementing this, our CR-N100 indoor remote PTZ camera promises superior quality and connectivity, tailored to the diverse needs of educational institutions, corporate settings, and coaching centres. Through such cutting-edge offerings, we strive to redefine remote production, making it more intuitive and accessible than ever before.”

Product	Price
RC-IP1000	INR 7,00,000/-
CR-N100	INR 2,50,000/-

Keypoints of RC-IP1000 Remote Camera Controller:

Designed for ease of use: The RC-IP1000 comes with strategically positioned functional buttons and dials, and a prominent 17.78 cm touch panel for simple operation. It also supports IP2 and serial control for remote PTZ movements. Customers can easily switch and configure settings like focus, exposure, and white balance.

Compatible with popular broadcast industry standards: It includes seamless integration with selected Canon products, for control on a larger scale. It offers 12G-SDI input/output for 4K/60P and their visual input via HDMI and IP. The touch panel feeds display from up to 9 inputs sent from cameras via IP. This allows the simultaneous operation of several camera units.

Multi-Camera Management Application: Up to 200 cameras can be managed with RC-IP1000. The app can also register your camera units seamlessly. You can control your large-scale systems with little effort.

Keypoints of CR-N100 Indoor 4K Remote Camera:

Easy to install: Its compact body with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities makes it easy to install by yourself. It can be used in spaces such as meeting rooms and classrooms. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a rise in online meetings, live streaming, and lectures, and saw a revival in coaching centres, events, and seminars. Canon India saw a need for advanced video recording technology and took it.
CR-N100 features and functions: It includes a CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV6 image processing platform, 4K/30P high-quality video capture and 20x optical zoom lens.
Four scene modes: Portrait, Sports, Low-light, and Spotlight.
Versatile production environment: The camera supports XC Protocol, RTMP for live streaming, and NDI®|HX for live video production.

Screw Up: The Decline of Yahoo

Yahoo was a leading company in the late 1990s and the early 2000s, possibly one of the best web services available. However, if you mention Yahoo now, you’d have to ironically Google it. Over a decade ago, it was holding its own against Google and Microsoft. With its peak valuation at $125 billion in 2000, it must have been hard to predict such a tech titan facing a downfall this unfortunate.

What exactly happened to Yahoo? Yahoo now serves as a wake-up call to other companies to step up their innovation and create better strategies. Our article has broken down their story and mistakes.

The founders of Yahoo! – David Filo and Jerry Yang

What is Yahoo?

In January 1994, Jerry Yang and David Filo created Yahoo (often stylised as Yahoo!) as a small project. This small project was initially named, “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web,” with the vision of a directory-style search engine.

Fun fact: The full form of “Yahoo” is “Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle” or “Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.”

Their services include– a web portal, Yahoo search engine, personalised page My Yahoo!, Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Sports, and Yahoo! Native. These were all active and regularly visited in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

These Grave Mistakes Cost Yahoo

Google: In 1998, Yahoo had the chance to buy Google for a mere $1 million and yet refused the offer. In 2002, Google’s offer raised to $5 billion which Yahoo countered for $3 billion, an amount the former rejected. This was one of the biggest mistakes Yahoo ever made as Google’s worth now sits at more than $1 trillion.

Facebook: Yahoo tried to obtain Facebook for $1 billion in 2006. While their current valuation of $562.19 Billion is leagues above, Facebook was rapidly growing in 2006 and is a still remembered platform. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms (originally Facebook), rejected the offer. However, reports have said that Facebook’s board of directors pushed for $1.1 billion which Yahoo then refused for reasons unknown. Settling for that price difference would have acquired them one of the most visited social media platforms.

Microsoft: Now the turns were turned on Yahoo for the opportunity of a lifetime. Microsoft recognised Yahoo and offered to acquire them in 2008 at $46 billion. Despite their generosity, Yahoo rejected the offer, priding themselves to be worth more than the offer price.

Yahoo’s valuation continued to decline over the years, with all of these strategic moves amounting to nothing when they could’ve proved to be beneficial. Ultimately in 2016, their several mistakes led to Yahoo being sold to Verizon at a mere $4.8 billion.

Strategies That Proved Yahoo’s Lack of Vision and Care

Strange Deal with Microsoft: The two companies then made a deal where Yahoo! Search would be powered by Microsoft Bing’s search engine. However, Yahoo’s failure to innovate its search engine, not prioritising quality for a smooth user experience, is a whole other downfall.

Failing to Power the Niche of Tumblr and Turning Down Netflix: After investing in Tumblr at $1.1 billion in 2013, it was made known that Yahoo could have purchased the streaming service, Netflix, at $4 billion. However, due to their lack of creativity, a quality Tumblr needed, Yahoo dragged Tumblr’s valuation down to $260 million in just 3 years. Now, Netflix sits at $261.74 Billion.

Lack of Consistent Leadership: Yahoo began a vicious cycle of switching and hiring external executives. Filo and Yang relinquished leadership to others, which led to confusion in direction. As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and Yahoo’s leadership style proves it. The constant change and variety left them with no clear-cut vision. A company needs a vision and Yahoo severely lacked one. With too many possible futures and ideas, their leadership ruined any chance of forming a plan.

The Data Breaches of 2013 and 2014: Any web service provider should arrive with the promise of data protection. Consumers should have confidence that their privacy will not be compromised. However, Yahoo betrayed that trust. Despite Yahoo’s popularity in the 2000s, the 2010s were a different story altogether. In 2013, over 3 billion accounts were exposed, revealing their names, passwords, emails and phone numbers. This wasn’t the last as 2014 saw another 500 million accounts violated. This jeopardised their trust and connection to the general public.

How They Could Have Used Alibaba: Yahoo decided to invest $1 billion in 2005 in the Chinese e-commerce website, Alibaba. Alibaba was a much younger company and Yahoo’s investment gave it a rush of growth. However, when their business became expansive, Yahoo failed to make the correct decision. Alibaba’s value in 2014 was $168 billion, an impressive number that should have encouraged Yahoo to make a move. However, Yahoo’s CEO during that period, Marissa Mayer, decided to instead sell a portion of their shares with Alibaba.

Where is Yahoo Now?

Initially sold to and merged with AOL (America Online) by Verizon Communications in 2017, Yahoo has now been acquired for 90% division by Apollo Global Management in September 2021. The former CEO of Tinder, Jimmy Lanzone, now serves as the CEO of Yahoo.

Follow our series, Saturday Screw Ups on Instagram: Saturday Screw Up – Yahoo!

What Can Companies Learn From Yahoo?

Here are the best lessons we can learn from Yahoo’s mistake:

Embrace Innovation and Seize Opportunities: Yahoo’s decline serves as a stark reminder of the importance of innovation and seizing opportunities when they arise. Yahoo had the chance to acquire Google for a mere $1 million but passed it up. Fast forward to today, now Google is worth over $1 trillion. This highlights the importance of recognizing innovation and acting swiftly to capitalise on it.
Value Quality Over Quantity: Yahoo’s failed attempt to compete with Google in search engine technology demonstrated the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity. Despite partnering with Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Yahoo’s lack of innovation and failure to prioritize user experience led to its downfall. Companies should focus on providing high-quality services that meet customer needs rather than simply expanding.
Maintain Consistent Leadership and Vision: Yahoo’s frequent changes in leadership and lack of a clear vision contributed to its downfall. With each new leader came a different direction, leading to confusion and a lack of focus within the company. Companies need to maintain consistent leadership and a clear vision to guide their strategic decisions and ensure long-term success.
Recognize and Nurture Investments: Yahoo’s failure to fully capitalize on its investment in Alibaba, Tumblr and others is a valuable lesson in recognizing and nurturing investments. While Yahoo’s initial investment in Alibaba provided a significant boost to the e-commerce giant’s growth, it ultimately failed to capitalize on Alibaba’s soaring valuation. Companies should carefully evaluate and nurture their investments to maximize their potential returns and incite future growth.
Protect Consumer Trust and Data: Yahoo’s data breaches in 2013 and 2014 severely damaged its reputation and eroded consumer trust. Companies must prioritize data security and take proactive measures to protect customer information. Building and maintaining trust with consumers is crucial for long-term success and brand reputation.

Exclusive: In Conversation with Mr Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO of Canon India

We are joined by an industry exemplary for an exclusive interview. Canon India’s President and CEO, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, led an amazing ceremony for Canon’s new platform NorthStar, a holistic advisory platform for enthusiasts looking to create studio setups, photography setups, and so on. Mr. Yamazaki has carefully ingrained his philosophy towards his career and his devotion to his consumers is admirable. We had the pleasure of speaking to Mr Yamazaki directly about the innovation platform NorthStar and his professional journey with Canon.

Exhibit: Introduce us to Canon and your new platform, NorthStar.

Yamazaki: It’s a platform where our target customers are studio owners, production owners or someone in this imaging industry, creating content and providing deliverables. To really review and see the opportunities, with the latest technology and how to do a makeover. They need a proper advisory, so we provide advisory services, and consultations, and involve specialists. In a nutshell, where there is expertise needed, Canon comes in. This is also B2B, for entities and not for individuals.

Exhibit: How did you come up with the idea of NorthStar?

Yamazaki: In a nutshell, we see a fragmented market. People are somewhat lost in the industry. For example, augmented reality, AI, AR, and all kinds of new technologies are coming. So how do they take in these technologies and properly optimise their existing setup into this new age? So they can cater to their needs. They need advisory. That’s how we picked up from the market and came up with NorthStar.

Exhibit: What makes the NorthStar platform unique?

Yamazaki: Because no one does it today. So that’s already unique in itself. It’s very practical, in a way, that we involved many people. We’ve done a lot of studies in this market in the last couple of years and seen many changes and shifts in technology. As to create the latest content in imaging, it requires different types of products to make them–software, hardware, tools, expertise, setup, wiring, everything. We need to involve integration of a kind but that needs specialists in each case. We have all these contacts so this network of people has actually joined this school of thought to do this. Along with product vendors, like Dell, Sennheiser, and Adobe. We don’t do everything in terms of product technology so we engage people who do that and we work with them. Then, we bring in the system integrator to put this together so at least if there’s a new investment from them, they can talk to the system integrator. However, we come as an advisory board. So it’s a team of professionals running the new-age studio. That’s basically why it’s unique because no one else is doing it.

Exhibit: You have mentioned Canon uses the Japanese term, ‘Gemba,’ previously. How did this integrate into NorthStar?

Yamazaki: ‘Gemba’ is a keyword that means ‘On-Site.’ You go visit the customer. We have transactions every day, every minute, with all kinds of customers on a professional scale. With a country as diverse as India, it probably holds the largest number of OTT, studio setups, cinema, movie productions, and YouTube users available. I think for the videography and still photography industry, all in all, India is the big hub of all things happening. This is the Gemba as a market for us. That’s what happens to every one of us in the organisation. Not just me. Everyone’s going out there, and engaging people.

Exhibit: How does Canon India tailor its strategies to address the needs of different regions within the country?

Yamazaki: We have divided India into 4 locations in terms of directions – South, North, East and West. In each location, we have a regional headquarters function where they pick up and extract the regional intelligence. They do their own research. Instead of looking at India as one country and approaching this blanket-wise, every state has a different agenda and different sets of practising. So, we’ve basically based ourselves regionally too and given some accountability in managing how to strategise our approaches regionally. So that’s how we do it.

Exhibit: What are the future benefits you are predicting with NorthStar?

Yamazaki: We are creating this universe that makes people stay relevant enough to date with the technology. As you know, technology today is accelerating its speed. Technology a year ago is probably already archaic or outdated. So this space, how do we play and stay relevant? We are setting a scene for all of us in this community, to stay relevant and staying up-to-date by using each other’s relevance. All these people, the industry players, have their own areas of speciality. So, that is the importance of this union. This is a league of specialists.

Exhibit: Can you share some significant obstacles you’ve faced in your career?

Yamazaki: I think providing something like this would require very meticulous project management. So project management is something that we have to pay careful attention to. We made a commitment to the customer so this management is not an obstacle. It is a challenge that we have to commit to.

Exhibit: How has your journey led you to your current role as President of Canon India?

Yamazaki: I worked in various locations before, doing different things. Coming from this company, we have 4 different types of products. I have been in touch with 3 of them actually. Being in touch with different types of products in the actual market as well as being in different regions and speaking different languages–helped me in bringing me over here. This is probably the biggest market with the most potential, in terms of scale and depth. That probably required my expertise. That’s how I see it, I’ve never asked anybody for this.

Exhibit: What’s your personal philosophy with your business?

Yamazaki: Integrity, trust, insight, and empathy.

Dell Technologies Launches Brand New Consumer-Oriented AI-Powered PC Lineup

On April 8th, 2024, Dell Technologies announced a brand new lineup of AI-enabled consumer and gaming PCs in India. The launch unveiled 3 new lines of PCs – XPS 14 & 16, Alienware m16 R2, and Inspiron 14 Plus. The devices are powered by top-of-the-line Intel® Core TM Ultra processors with integrated AI to enhance the speed and performance capabilities of the PCs. The new lineup is perfect for students, gamers, professionals, and content creators.

What’s New?

With the expansion of the XPS series, the XPS 16 is Dell’s most powerful laptop yet with supercharged performance more complex workload. The XPS 14 is the ideal laptop for travellers who need portability with its lightweight but stunning design. The new additions to the XPS series are powered by neural processing units (NPU), which means they no longer need to solely rely on a CPU or GPU for processing and performance.

A special opportunity arose at the event where Exhibit got exclusive quotes from Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India. In our conversation about the novelty of the new PCs, he said, “There are typically 4 things that every product guy at Dell keeps in mind. One is the design factor, the other is the performance, then is the immersive experience, and lastly, sustainability. These are the 4 cores that every person within the Dell fraternity, from a product team standpoint, keep in mind at the time of designing new products.”

Pujan Chadha – Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India.

Keeping their core vision in mind, the Alienware m16 R2 is designed specifically for gamers. Alienware m16 R2 focuses on portability without compromising on performance and speed. It includes Intel Core Ultra H Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics for a stunning, smooth performance. The key change is the use of the cryo-tech thermal solution to balance out the performance capability and also has a Stealth Mode button, eliminating the pesky loud fan noise that draws attention. Last but not least, the Inspiron 14 Plus is a powerful PC with a range of AI-powered assets, including auto-framing and better visual enhancements. The creativity within one device is perfect for your work-from-home needs.

Pricing:

The XPS 16 (9640) starts at INR 2,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The XPS 14 (9440) starts at INR 1,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The Alienware m16 R2 starts at INR 1,49,999 and released on April 9, 2024.
The Inspiron 14 Plus (7440) starts at INR 1,05,999 and released on April 8, 2024.

Dell Technology Recognises AI as an Asset

Dell Technologies is bold with its AI capabilities and development. This range of products is powered by AI for seamless performance. The new XPS 16 & 14 include a personal AI assistant to do your heavy lifting. The Inspiron 14 Plus has AI-enabled auto framing that dynamically adjusts to keep your person centred on the camera and the eye contact feature is on even when you look away. Despite the great potential of AI, there is still hesitation around the functionality. At the launch, they had guest speakers demonstrate AI’s potential.

To this, Pujan Chadha assures, “We look at each and everything as an opportunity. Even internally, we look at AI in terms of empowering our own team members. We encourage them to adopt AI wherever possible and then take it to another level. Our ethos from a Dell standpoint remains clear whatever technologies we create are more to fuel the potential of human beings. So human beings continue to be the key to each and everything we do. From that standpoint, we are pretty excited about what AI can bring in the next few years. It is still in the very niche stage of coming up so a lot of it is wait and watch.”

Raj Kumar Rishi, the Vice President and Managing Director, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India, brilliantly sums it up at the ceremony itself:

“We are at the intersection of AI and personal computing and have the unique position to lead the PC experience revolution. Dell Technologies is just as excited today as we’ve ever been about the future of PC, of it being and will continue to be our customer’s true digital partner. We’re focused on being the leading consumer PC provider for the AI era with new AI-enabled lineups that are more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable for everyone. The next generation of CPUs, GPUs, and the addition of NPUs and accelerators will enable our customers in India to handle even more complicated AI workloads and that’s a winning opportunity for the PC.”

Final Thoughts

Chadha also finally reflects on the future of Dell, “We have always been very positive. Our motto is always the same. We simply want to make our customers very happy, to choose us, and to participate in their success and growth. That’s it, we want to make our customers happy.”

It’s a dedication and devotion to better performance and natural growth that Dell promises with their products. The new consumer portfolio upholds Dell’s reputation as the Leader in Technology and presents a bright future for them and their customers. The ceremony buzzed with the energy and excitement of a new era.

Canon India’s NorthStar Will Revolutionise the Future of the Imaging Industry

Canon India has launched a one-of-a-kind platform for all aspiring photographers and videographers out there. NorthStar is a one-stop solution for enthusiasts that provides equipment and advisory services to create their ideal studio setup. Canon has collaborated with the finest in the industry to offer holistic and high-quality services.

What is NorthStar?

NorthStar, like its namesake, is the guiding light of the photography/cinematography industry and covers a diverse range of customers. The platform consists of two layers. The first is the advisory layer that collects its advice from industry legends and professionals. They provide deep insight and knowledge of setup solutions. The second layer is the delivery of seamless integration of cutting-edge tech for a complete setup ecosystem. Where you might be confused about where to start, Canon has you covered.

Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO of Canon India

The grand launch was held in Mumbai and led by the President and CEO of Canon India, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, along with Canon management, talented panellists, and industry partners.

“During COVID we realised the growing potential and upcoming demand of this sector and seized the opportunity to pioneer a first-of-its-kind, one-stop solution. As the industry continues to grow with rapid advancements in technology and emerging trends such as digital streaming platforms, 4K and 8K resolution, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), there is a need for a unified platform to cater to these requirements by providing adequate solutions and services under one roof, ensuring convenience and efficiency. Building onto our legacy of imaging technology, we are taking a big leap by setting up an end-to-end imaging ecosystem, bringing together leading brands and industry experts, thereby providing a catalyst for propelling industry growth.”

– Mr. Manabu Yamazaki

Who are the collaborating companies of NorthStar?

This careful lineup shows the dedication of Canon India’s NorthStar to providing the best services to its clients.

Adobe (Post-production solution)
Western Digital (Data Storage solution)
Dell (Infrastructure Solution)
Sennheiser (Audio solution)
Aputure (Light solution)
SanDisk (Flash Storage solution)
Atomos (Monitor solution)

Along with the industry collaborators, the launch involved a talented panel of speakers – Kavita Bahl (Cinematographer/Documentary), Nandan Saxena (Cinematographer/Documentary), Sapan Narula (DOP/CG visual effects and post-production), Neil Sadwelkar (Data Storage/Post-production), Vijay and Ajay Bedi (Wildlife Filmmaker/Documentary), Simran Gill (Cinematographer/Documentary), Goutham Shankar (Post-production/Data Storage), and Ratan Sil Sarma (Director of Photography/Colorist).

So who can use NorthStar and how does it tailor itself to different situations?

Canon explains the potential cases where NorthStar is the perfect solution.

Production Studios: NorthStar provides tailored solutions for studio setups, catering to various production levels like AD films, fashion, lifestyle, and jewellery design, guided by industry experts.
Podcast Studios: NorthStar offers customized setup solutions for podcast creators, ensuring smooth production and broadcasts, aligned with their specific needs.
Educational Institutes: NorthStar delivers end-to-end solutions for universities and academies, facilitating seamless content creation and delivery for virtual classes and pre-recorded educational sessions.
Virtual Production Setups: From news and broadcast to VFX and CGI workflows, NorthStar offers cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance immersive virtual production experiences.
Colour Grading Studios: NorthStar equips professionals with essential tools and expertise for achieving top-tier visual quality and consistency in colour grading.
OTT Channels: NorthStar empowers content creators on OTT platforms to produce high-quality original content efficiently, ensuring precision in their output.

18 Essential Game Series You Need to Get Into

Final Fantasy

With a series going on as early as 1987, Final Fantasy is one of the longest-running video game franchises. The game was developed by Square Enix, and created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and the incredible art is by Tetsuya Nomura. The main characters are on a journey to battle a great evil while going through their struggles. The series overall has 16 games and is ongoing.

First release: Final Fantasy (December 18, 1987)

Latest release: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (February 29, 2024)

The various protagonists of Final Fantasy games.

Persona

Another series with a strong history, Persona is a spin-off series of developer Atlus’ Shin Megami (a series even bigger) franchise. Persona is the more popular franchise after gaining traction worldwide with Persona 3 in 2006 and has gained a cult following since. The series always follows a silent protagonist meeting a group of people and unlocking their “true selves.” The franchise has 13 games in total so far.

First release: Revelations: Persona (September 20, 1996)

Latest release: Persona 3 Reload (February 2, 2024)

Every protagonist in the Persona series (so far)

Related feature: The Best Games of 2024 (So Far)

Assassin’s Creed

The thrilling historical action game series by Ubisoft almost needs no introduction. Assassin’s Creed is the childhood of many gamers, especially the Ezio Trilogy. The integration of historical figures and events is one of the most narrative buildings in video game history. Moreover, the open environment, action-packed combat and stealth, and their unique parkour are the backbone of the series.

First release: Assassin’s Creed (November 13, 2007)

Latest release: Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR (November 16, 2023)

Different characters you can play as in Assassin’s Creed.

Dark Souls

With an entire subgenre named after them and notoriously challenging gameplay, Dark Souls has a loyal following like no other. Immersing yourself in this dark, medieval fantasy world is easy with the gorgeous yet daunting visuals of dragons, demons, and other supernatural entities. Hidetaka Miyazaki has further expanded the Dark Souls games with spiritual successors and similar Soulslike games such as Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elder Ring.

First release: Dark Souls (September 22, 2011)

Latest release: Dark Souls: Remastered (May 24, 2018)

The Legend of Zelda

The long-running series began in 1986 and created a generation of open-world games. The Legend of Zelda follows the different incarnations of Link, a brave young Hylian man, and Princess Zelda, the incarnation of Goddess Hylia. Every version of Link and Zelda has different backstories but his signature left-handedness and green clothing are always retained, and Zelda is always associated with light and prophecy. It’s one of the most magical experiences in the video game industry and is available on Nintendo.

First release: The Legend of Zelda (February 21, 1986)

Latest release: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12, 2023)

Mario

Mario is a beloved series enjoyed by both children and adults alike. While it is primarily a video game franchise, Mario has expanded beyond barriers unforeseeable (but so enjoyable). Mario has over 200 games, a theme park, several movies, TV series, etc. You can even enjoy real-life Mario Kart racing in Tokyo. With loveable characters and addictive gameplay, Mario is a surprising icon in the industry.

First release: Donkey Kong (July 9, 1981)

Latest release: Princess Peach: Showtime! (March 22, 2024)

Resident Evil

This is a choice for die-hard horror fans. Resident Evil, or known as Biohazard in Japan, is a terrifying survival horror series with protagonists fighting against zombies and other monsters. The game is usually played in a third-person shooter and first-person shooter. In recent years, they have focused on remaking their earliest games with better graphics and improved character development.

First release: Resident Evil (March 22, 1996)

Latest release: Resident Evil 4 -Remake- (March 24, 2023)

Famous playable characters and villains from Resident Evil

Ace Attorney

Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a defence lawyer? Ace Attorney has got you covered. The series is a satire on the Japanese justice system. You primarily play Phoenix Wright, the titular protagonist, as he navigates enticing and strange cases. Your main rivals change with each instalment but you can never forget the legendary prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth.

First release: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (October 12, 2001)

Latest release: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (January 25, 2024)

The main characters of the Ace Attorney series.

Hitman

If you’re a fan of stealth and the thrill of a hunt, Hitman is the series for you. It has a good balance of challenging and fun as the game requires strategy and timing to execute your missions. You play as a cloned contract killer and get to travel around the world to assassinate your targets. It gives you the freedom to play how you want, especially if you enjoy some ridiculous ways to subdue targets.

First release: Hitman: Codename 47 (November 21, 2000)

Latest release: Hitman 3 (January 20, 2021)

Life Is Strange

Life Is Strange is a choice-based game revolving around life-changing events and you, as the protagonist, gaining control over your supernatural powers. Each game’s ending connects to the butterfly effect theory, where even a small decision can change your future drastically. With a unique art style and an interesting cast of characters, Life Is Strange is a great series for people who want to focus on a story. They have 3 different instalments, each with different protagonists and storylines, and are in talks for a 4th game.

First release: Life Is Strange (January 30, 2015)

Latest release: Life Is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection (September 27, 2022)

Every main Life Is Strange game (so far)

Yakuza

Yakuza, known as Ryū ga Gotoku in Japan, and also known as Like a Dragon in more recent games, is a big mix of RPG, beat ‘em up, and action-adventure genres in this crime drama narrative. While the overall story of the game is incredibly serious and filled with violence, the side stories are the main attraction and their mini-games are possibly the most comical in the industry.

First release: Yakuza (December 8, 2005)

Latest release: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (January 26, 2024)

Various protagonists and major characters of the Yakuza series.

Fallout

Fallout is a classic series, set in a post-apocalyptic world and the far future, with elements of RPG and action. You get the freedom to create from scraps and build whole communities within the games. The series is inspired by American post-war culture from the 50s and built around the fear of nuclear annihilation.

First release: Fallout (October 10, 1997)

Latest release: Fallout 76 (November 14, 2018)

Kingdom Hearts

Do you love Disney and Final Fantasy? Then Kingdom Hearts by Square Enix is the series for you. This world is a blend of Disney and Final Fantasy characters, locations and lore with their original characters. It’s a heart-warming and thrilling fantasy franchise where you follow Sora and his journey but it’s more complicated than it seems. Kingdom Hearts IV was formally announced in 2022 but no known release date.

First release: Kingdom Hearts (March 28, 2002)

Latest release: Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory (November 11, 2020)

Check out the Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal trailer above!

Tekken

Tekken, meaning “Iron Fist”, is one of the best fighting games and has been going strong since 1994. The hand-to-hand combat is competitive and energising to play. The series has raised the standard for fighting games and their main selling point is the replay value. That’s right, play as much as you want and you’ll never get bored.

First release: Tekken (September 21, 1994)

Latest release: Tekken 8 (January 26, 2024)

God of War

Every gamer must have heard about the God of War, even if you haven’t played it yourself. God of War is a must-play for everyone. You play and embark on the journey with the Spartan warrior Kratos who becomes the titular God of War and gets into multiple conflicts with mythological characters. Their recent games are based on Norse mythology and focused on Kratos’ redemption with his son Atreus.

First release: God of War (March 22, 2005)

Latest release: God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (December 12, 2023)

Grand Theft Auto

You don’t even need to be into gaming to know this series. The infamous Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is one of the funniest and bravest franchises to get into. With its meme-ability and crazy storylines, GTA brought out everyone’s chaotic side. After more than a decade, GTA 6 is to be released in 2025.

First release: Grand Theft Auto (November 28, 1997)

Latest release: Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (November 11, 2021)

Check out the first GTA VI trailer above!

Pac-Man

Pac-Man is a throwback for many gamers. The Pac-Man franchise is 45 years old and still on our minds. It maintains a classic gameplay style that instils nostalgia. This is one of the longest-running series in the industry and is a huge symbol of 80s culture.

First release: Pac-Man (May 22, 1980)

Latest release: Pac-Man World Re-Pac (August 26, 2022)

Red Dead

Another classic is the Red Dead series by RockStar Games. This is a Western-style game with an open-world and action-adventure setting. Red Dead has some of the best storytelling elements and character developments you will witness. Will RockStar release a Red Dead Redemption 3? The prediction is 2026 and we are keeping our hopes high!

First release: Red Dead Revolver (May 4, 2004)

Latest release: Red Dead Online (May 14, 2019)