How it Works – Page 171

Simply Speaking: The changing face of Big Tech brands – from focused value creators to conglomerates

Jeff Bezos’s Amazon is driven on the vector of ‘efficiency via disruptive technology’ and is investing in server farms and drones. He owns the Washington Post in his personal capacity. Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook became Meta and he bet the shop on creating its Metaverse. Elon Musk, is not only the boss of Tesla, the electric-car maker and Twitter but also a huge investor in space travel and solar-energy systems.

Being a ‘conglomerate’ is again the name of the game. The sprawling new tech conglomerates in a hydra-headed structure will bring up fundamentals pertaining to the brand for a fresh application or re-evaluation.

E-com, D2C brands vow to support govt directive on paid reviews

The standard, IS 19000:2022, will apply to all organisations that publish consumer reviews online. These will include suppliers of products and services which collect reviews from their customers, third parties contracted by suppliers or independent third parties. (Representative image via Unsplash)

E-commerce platforms will need to voluntarily disclose paid customer reviews of products and services as part of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms.

Virtual Voyagers to Pleasure Pilgrimages: Seven travel trends and predictions for 2023

With 61 percent of Indians keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience, the Metaverse will be more than ‘try before you buy’; it will educate people, opening the door for infinite adventure. Travelers will become bolder in their real-life trip choices, after being able to visit them in the Metaverse first via their online avatar. While the Metaverse will offer a new way to experience travel in the year ahead, it still won’t stop people from booking a ticket to their next destination. (Representational image via Unsplash)

70 percent of Indian travellers are keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience as virtual vacations enter the Metaverse. 63 percent of Indian travellers will be taking a less conventional approach to wellness by seeking serenity at a silent retreat. A detailed look at Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2023 study.

Brand Big B: Delhi High Court sides with Amitabh Bachchan to protect name, image and voice

Representing Bachchan, top lawyer Harish Salve said there are tshirts and posters with the actor's face on them and that someone has registered a website domain name called "amitabhbachchan.com".(Stills from a recent Dabur Red commercial featuring Amitabh Bachchan)

The actor’s petition said his name, image and voice were being used by app developers to illegally conduct lotteries by associating with Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the iconic quiz show that Amitabh Bachchan hosts.

What Indians think about EV adoption, cryptocurrency and health insurance

When it comes to mobility, there is also the aspect of social status that finds its way into the minds of the Indian buyer. The report brings to light that 58 percent of Keralites want their personal vehicle to reflect their passions, while 50 percent of West Bengal would prefer their cars to reflect their social status, beating states like Punjab and Delhi. (Representative Image via Unsplash)

Decoding India’s within India, a report by Leo Burnett Regional highlights insights into regional behaviour regarding cryptocurrency, vehicular preferences, and a state’s collective affinity towards purchasing health insurance.

Balenciaga ad controversy: Backlash grows against the brand’s “dangerous” ad featuring children

Shot by photographer Gabriele Galimberti, the pictures feature children with teddy bears that appear to be dressed in BDSM-inspired costumes. One photograph shows a young girl with several wine glasses. The campaign was removed after receiving an angry response on social media. (Representative Image via Unsplash)

Balenciaga apologised for its controversial ad campaign that features children cuddling teddy bears dressed in bondage gear.

Why are brands wrapping their messaging around Rap music?

Names such as Badshah, Raftaar, Naezy and Raja Kumari are not only popular in the music circuit but also among companies attempting to create brand recall and amplify their reach.

While Hip-Hop has always been a rage globally, Indian brands are now taking to the trend. Homegrown brands Ola, Mia by Tanishq, Unacademy and many others are hiring Rap artists to pen their brand anthems and jingles.

New media age: Marketers should invest in users and not in platforms

Puma, Monster (now Foundit) and Vim (owned by HUL) have recently used the device of fake stunts and staged drama online to get attention. The reactions are a mixed bag. (Representational image via Unsplash)

The Twitter takeover and its aftermath has left advertisers jittery. But marketers will never have to worry about the platform’s dynamic policies if they invest in users.

NFT is not just the marketer’s shiny new toy; Gaming and esports show the way

Gaming NFTs are becoming popular in India with companies in the space facilitating trading of digital assets. Since everything about gaming is digital - every moment, achievement, every sellable content, NFTs make complete business sense. However, there is still a big gap in terms of awareness and knowledge amongst gaming creators on how Gaming NFTs work.

NFTs are further transforming gaming into an income-generating activity for gamers and a lucrative tool to enhance user engagement.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar bans beer sale in all 8 stadium venues

Bira91’s current portfolio includes craft, lager and strong beer with products such as Bira White, Gold and Boom, besides cider ale and seltzers. (Representative Image via Unsplash)

Alcohol is more available in Qatar than some Middle East states though it is served only in hotel restaurants and bars that have licences. It is illegal to consume it elsewhere.