Unilever launches CSR initiative

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Aug 2, 2013

Unilever’s philanthropic side awoke this Ramadan when they supported a healthcare related initiative regarding permanent vision loss and to support those who do cannot avail healthcare services in Pakistan.

Through this initiative, Unilever plans to disseminate information especially about vision loss.

An estimated 5.035 million people suffer from disabilities, according to the statistics brought forth by Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Statistics 2012. This number is higher than total population of some countries around the world like New Zealand or Kuwait.

Out of this, 8.2% of the population is suffering from blindness and vision loss, which is a significant number, considering Pakistan’s healthcare industry and its crippling situation.

It is expected that the consumer and the company will make use of the platform to donate and work for the improvement of these people.

Unilever took advantage of the holy month and has managed to channelize the attention and charity of people towards this noble cause.

Sony and Panasonic join hands to introduce 300 gigabyte CD-style disks

By

Naqi Zafar

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Aug 1, 2013

Sony and Panasonic have signed a deal to develop a CD-style optical disk with a storage capacity of at least 300 gigabytes by the end of 2015.

In a joint statement, both the companies highlighted the potential of high-capacity optical disks to store archived data securely and reliably over a long period of time.

The Optical discs have outstanding properties to protect them against the environment. They are dust and water-resistance and can also resist changes in temperature and humidity when stored. Hence, it diminishes the fear of losing data due to environmental effects.

They allow inter-generational compatibility between different formats, ensuring that data can be read even as formats advance. This makes them a strong medium for long-term storage of content.

At present, Sony markets optical disk cartridges for its XDCAM high-end video products, with each cartridge holding 25 disks with the capacity of 25 gigabytes each.

On the other hand, Panasonic’s LB-DM9 series of optical drives uses a “magazine” of 12 disks with 100 gigabytes each.

Sony and Panasonic are currently marketing optical disks for the archival market, with the hope that the deal will allow them to pool their intellectual property to create a new, high-capacity standard.

Android extends dominance over Apple

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Web Desk

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Aug 1, 2013

Aug 1 – Android-based smartphones have continued to remain dominant across China, Europe, US and Mexico according to new market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

In United States, survey for Apple’s market share showed strong figures and a year-on-year sales growth during the quarter to May for Android (increasing from 51.9% market share to 52% in the quarter to May last year), iOS (38.4% to 41.9%) and Windows Phone (3.7% to 4.6%) with a large drop for BlackBerry (4.6% to 0.7%).

Android now leads Apple 70.4% to 17.8% across five leading EU economies, with Apple strongest in Britain, where Android holds 56.6% market share compared to Apple’s 29.9%, while in Spain Android holds 92.5% market share to just 4.2% for iOS.

Android also extends its lead over iOS in France (65.2% to 17.9%), Italy (69.2% to 14.8%) and Germany (76.7% to 15%).

BlackBerry on the other hand continues to claim 5.3% of the British market, whereas in Italy, Windows Phone claims a market share of 9.7% and other platforms claim 5.2% of the French market.

In the Chinese market, Android claims 71.5% of the market share which is significantly ahead of iOS on 23.6%.

In Mexico, Android has surged to 60.3% market share from 27.1% in the former year, iOS claims just 9.9%. BlackBerry’s market share collapsed from 32.3% to 11.3%, while Windows has shown a rise from 2.2% to 6.6%.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy NX DSLR Camera

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Web Desk

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Aug 1, 2013

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy NX DSLR Camera in Europe.

Amongst the most prominent features of the camera is the fact that it runs on Android operating system (OS), making it a first choice for those who believe in instant editing and sharing.

With additional support of Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi connections, this camera is a perfect choice for professionals who want high quality images and ability to share simultaneously.

It has a premium price of $2,000 and the product comes with an 18-55 kit lens, 20.3 megapixel sensor that can capture shots at up 8.6fps. The product also has a Xenon Flash and the highest shutter speed is 1/6000.

In addition to this, the product is equipped with a 4.8inch HD screen, running on Android iOS 4.2.2. This is the same OS which was introduced in Blackberry Z10 Smartphone.

Apart from a quad-core processor and 2 GB RAM, the camera comes with an expandable memory card slot that can add 16 GB of memory. This provides the user with ample memory to capture as many photos as they like.

Samsung was the first manufacturer to introduce an android-based camera namely NX-1000. This provided Samsung with the first mover advantage.

Sony and Panasonic join hands to introduce 300 gigabyte CD-style disks

By

Web Desk

-

Aug 1, 2013

Sony and Panasonic have signed a deal to develop a CD-style optical disk with a storage capacity of at least 300 gigabytes by the end of 2015.

In a joint statement, both the companies highlighted the potential of high-capacity optical disks to store archived data securely and reliably over a long period of time.

The Optical discs have outstanding properties to protect them against the environment. They are dust and water-resistance and can also resist changes in temperature and humidity when stored. Hence, it diminishes the fear of losing data due to environmental effects.

They allow inter-generational compatibility between different formats, ensuring that data can be read even as formats advance. This makes them a strong medium for long-term storage of content.

At present, Sony markets optical disk cartridges for its XDCAM high-end video products, with each cartridge holding 25 disks with the capacity of 25 gigabytes each.

On the other hand, Panasonic’s LB-DM9 series of optical drives uses a “magazine” of 12 disks with 100 gigabytes each.

Sony and Panasonic are currently marketing optical disks for the archival market, with the hope that the deal will allow them to pool their intellectual property to create a new, high-capacity standard.

Android extends dominance over Apple

By

Web Desk

-

Aug 1, 2013

Aug 1 – Android-based smartphones have continued to remain dominant across China, Europe, US and Mexico according to new market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

In United States, survey for Apple’s market share showed strong figures and a year-on-year sales growth during the quarter to May for Android (increasing from 51.9% market share to 52% in the quarter to May last year), iOS (38.4% to 41.9%) and Windows Phone (3.7% to 4.6%) with a large drop for BlackBerry (4.6% to 0.7%).

Android now leads Apple 70.4% to 17.8% across five leading EU economies, with Apple strongest in Britain, where Android holds 56.6% market share compared to Apple’s 29.9%, while in Spain Android holds 92.5% market share to just 4.2% for iOS.

Android also extends its lead over iOS in France (65.2% to 17.9%), Italy (69.2% to 14.8%) and Germany (76.7% to 15%).

BlackBerry on the other hand continues to claim 5.3% of the British market, whereas in Italy, Windows Phone claims a market share of 9.7% and other platforms claim 5.2% of the French market.

In the Chinese market, Android claims 71.5% of the market share which is significantly ahead of iOS on 23.6%.

In Mexico, Android has surged to 60.3% market share from 27.1% in the former year, iOS claims just 9.9%. BlackBerry’s market share collapsed from 32.3% to 11.3%, while Windows has shown a rise from 2.2% to 6.6%.

No capacity for Pakola’s glass bottles in capacity tax

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Web Desk

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Aug 1, 2013

No capacity for Pakolas glass bottles in capacity tax

KARACHI, August 1st – Pakola, the leading local soda beverage in Pakistan, announced that it has decided to curtail the ‘only’ Pakistani beverage due to the infamous capacity tax imposed recently on manufacturers of glass bottles forcing them to lower their production, an English daily newspaper reported on August 1.

The new budget imposed heavy taxation on factories in the form of capacity tax. This directly affected the manufacturing cost of glass bottles, which rose considerably, leading Pakola to stop its production. The date has not been given out yet.

Representatives of Mehran Bottlers, who own, produce and package Pakola along with Bubble Up, Apple Sidra and Double Cola, narrated that the estimated tax would vary between Rs.1.17 million to 4.7 million per valve (Valve is the nozzle from which the bottles are filled) if they choose to continue producing glass bottles.

Production of 300 millilitres and 1.5 litres is currently at a standstill, Qamar Pervez, a marketing manager at Mehran Bottlers confirmed.

“We are only supplying the product in cans,” Pervez further stated.

The problem with the tax is that it will be charged on the production ‘potential’ of the factory, instead of the actual output. This tax has been considered the sole reason responsible for the destruction of soda production in Pakistan.

The capacity tax was first introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s government in 1991, but was taken back, considering the massive, irrevocable damage done to Pakistan’s beverage industry.

With Pakola’s production now limited to cans, local consumers are bound to feel the absence of their green drink, particularly during Ramadan.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy NX DSLR Camera

By

Web Desk

-

Aug 1, 2013

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy NX DSLR Camera

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy NX DSLR Camera in Europe.

Amongst the most prominent features of the camera is the fact that it runs on Android operating system (OS), making it a first choice for those who believe in instant editing and sharing.

With additional support of Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi connections, this camera is a perfect choice for professionals who want high quality images and ability to share simultaneously.

It has a premium price of $2,000 and the product comes with an 18-55 kit lens, 20.3 megapixel sensor that can capture shots at up 8.6fps. The product also has a Xenon Flash and the highest shutter speed is 1/6000.

In addition to this, the product is equipped with a 4.8inch HD screen, running on Android iOS 4.2.2. This is the same OS which was introduced in Blackberry Z10 Smartphone.

Apart from a quad-core processor and 2 GB RAM, the camera comes with an expandable memory card slot that can add 16 GB of memory. This provides the user with ample memory to capture as many photos as they like.

Samsung was the first manufacturer to introduce an android-based camera namely NX-1000. This provided Samsung with the first mover advantage.

Anwar Maqsood moves from Pawnay to Sawa 14 August

By

Naqi Zafar

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Jul 31, 2013

Nobody in Pakistan ever denies the fact that this country is bursting with talented people; doctors, actors, engineers, artists and even cricketers. There is simply no boundary that can behold the talent in Pakistan.

With every passing day people witness the situation getting worse, but within all this dilemma lies something to feast your eyes upon. Theatre in Pakistan has indeed made its comeback. Once again our country is becoming famous all over the world for its entertainment industry, it wouldn’t be wrong to specify Pakistan’s drama industry as a major highlight in all this glory.

A few of the renowned personalities from the drama industry in collaboration with NAPA finally made it possible to revive the charisma of Pakistani theatre.

Anwar Maqsood – the country’s living legend made his contribution to Pakistani theatre for the very first time in 2012. Pawnay 14 august was the first play he ever wrote for theatre and it certainly took Karachi by surprise.

People were amazed to have witnessed such a remarkable experience, it made them cry and laugh out loud at the same time. The auditorium of the Arts Council of Pakistan remained chock-full from day one. The play did not only entertain the audience, it even educated them in various ways.

After the huge success of Pawnay 14 august came ‘Aangan Terha’. This theatrical performance was produced by the team of Pawnay 14 august – KopyKats Productions.

This play again was a smashing hit, for people who have seen the original drama; this play was a journey down the memory lane. The character of Akbar was performed by the talented Yasir Husain and was much loved all over again.

This year Pakistan is all set to be amused and inspired once again, as the news of Pawnay 14 August’s sequel spreads like fire.

KopyKats Production have named the sequel ‘Sawa 14 august’ where the audience will be given a chance to experience a new era where Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Zia-ul-Haq will be confronting Quaid-e-Azam face-to-face.

The play is expected to arrive on August 13th, 2013 and will keep mesmerizing the audience of Karachi till October 30th.

What are your expectation from ‘Sawa 14 August’? Share with us in the comments below

Smartphone share: Samsung and Apple get the jitters while LG and Lenovo move up

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Web Desk

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Jul 31, 2013

By Rozina Bhutto

Despite shipping 20 million more units per year, Samsung’s market share in the smartphone category has slipped from 32.2 % to 30.4%and Apple’s from 16.6% to 13.1 % as compared to their share in second quarter last year while LG and Lenovo’s market share has increased considerably, according to new smartphone market share figures from International Data Corporation (IDC).

In terms of shipping of units, Samsung was the market leader by shipping 72.4 million units in this quarter as compared to Apple’s 31.2 million units.

Both the brands, Samsung and Apple, had escalated shipments of smartphones but their market share decreased.

This proves that while consumers continue to buy their devices, there is still the untapped market which is being attracted by the competitors. Hence, resulting in increased sales but decreased market shares as other entrants capture their share.

LG and Lenovo are two such companies who have evidently snatched the market share from the two smartphone giants as their shares have increased compared to last year.

Although they are far behind in the race, with single-digit shares as compared to Samsung and Apple’s double digit ones, but the fact remains that former are growing while latter are regressing.

LG’s market share increased from 3.7% last year to 5.1% this year while Lenovo exhibited exponential growth, jumping from 3.1% to 4.7% in one years’ time.

As far as the market share is concerned, Samsung still tops the list with 30.4% but faces the issue of decreasing share, Apple comes second with 13.1% and is in the same boat as its competitor while LG and Lenovo capture the third and fourth spot respectively.

The sudden growth of the two L’s is because of their low-priced smartphones which caters to the heavily populated developing nations.

LG’s affiliation with Google for their flagship device Google Nexus 4 also helped LG strengthen its position in the smartphone category.

Body Shop: Back to Basics

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Web Desk

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Jul 30, 2013

“We carried out preliminary researches and found out that this unsaturated market may prove to be extremely lucrative because of the high proportion of young urban consumers with disposable incomes”.

– Anita Ali, Business Development Head – Pakistan region, The Body Shop Pakistan

Synergyzer: Please give an overview of The Body Shop and its operations worldwide.

Anita Ali: Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in the early 70s, with a vision to promote business as a force for good and to make profits without compromising principles. Her belief that we can make innovative and effective products without harming animals, destroying the planet or exploiting people who make them pushed her to open an outlet with eco-friendly products that began an iconic British skin care and cosmetic brand.

Moving forward; The Body Shop became a part of the L’Oreal Group in 2006, yet it operates as a distinct entity with its own Board and Executive Committee, within the Group, with 2,600 retail locations across 65 lands, including a franchise network of 1,500 stores selling more than 1,200 products.

Synergyzer: What is your new branding and philosophy?

Anita: We have recently rolled out the Pulse concept, revamping The Body Shop outlets across the world and revealing Pakistan’s first such outlet in Karachi on September 13, 2012.

Pulse is an interactive and a forward-thinking concept, executed through the community and value wall. The Pulse Stores reflect The Body Shop’s five core values – Protect The Planet, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights, Support Community Fair Trade and Against Animal Testing in a number of ways, for instance, the stores aim to reduce impact on the environment by replacing fluorescent lights in the bays with LED strips and 35 watt ceiling lamps. The result is energy consumption cut by 25% compared to regular stores, as was tested through trials at Pulse stores in 2011 at Kings Road and Islington, London. This should serve as an example of efficient use of resources to countries undergoing energy crisis.

Besides this, wooden fixtures and fittings in the stores are approved by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s Forests. This guarantees that the trees harvested are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally. Also, every Pulse store will have a dedicated makeup artist and skincare expert to advise people on how to find the right products to use for them.

Synergyzer: What are The Body Shop Foundation and Community Fair Trade program? What value are they adding to Pakistan?

Anita: The Body Shop International Plc’s charitable trust, The Body Shop Foundation was established in 1989 and is funding grassroots charities across the globe, leading social and environmental change. It’s supported by an annual donation from The Body Shop and various other fund raising campaigns & initiatives.

Also, The Body Shop works directly with artisans, farmers and producers under the Community Fair Trade program, having benefited over 300,000 marginalized people through long-term commitments. The program has been operational since 1987 and it aims to source as much high quality natural ingredients as possible from small local communities, especially in developing countries, and pay them a fair price for their work. For example, we buy organic fragrance alcohol from suppliers in Ecuador to provide relief to farmers struggling against unfair purchasing practices of the industry.

We support other global and local causes in partnership with local institutions and NGOs that may impact the underprivileged strata of society. One of the biggest and most powerful campaigns is Stop Sex Trafficking of Children & Young People. In Pakistan, we handed over 245,100 signatures to the Adviser to Prime Minister on Human Rights; Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, calling on the Pakistan government to combat child trafficking soaring cases in 2010. We are still working with End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT) for such victims in Pakistan. For this, we recently introduced the ‘Soft Hands Kind Heart – Hand Cream’, whose sale proceeds went directly to ECPAT Pakistan. We are also active in civil rights, animal protection, environmental, self-esteem and fair trade campaigns here.

Synergyzer: What convinced The Body Shop to initiate operations in Pakistan?

Anita: During the early 2000s, Pakistan’s economic growth was set to accelerate through a number of mechanisms, including rationalization of tax rates and the government promoting investment at the domestic level. The country soon became one of the fastest growing economies in the world, providing a huge untapped market to many global brands. We carried out preliminary researches and found out that this unsaturated market may prove to be extremely lucrative because of the high proportion of young urban consumers with disposable incomes. This convinced us to enter Pakistan’s market.

Synergyzer: What is The Body Shop’s mechanism for deciding what product ranges will be brought into Pakistan?

Anita: The Body Shop has around 1200 products; yet, we make sure that only products with a good ‘product-market’ fit are brought to our market, meaning they are culturally, socially and religiously suitable. We can’t assume that international market best sellers will be as popular here and to find out the product potential we carry out prelaunch demonstrations and testing in our stores.

Synergyzer: There are speculations that mid-tier priced brands are being retailed at upper-tier pricing in Pakistan, which is much higher than the exchange rate. What are your comments on this?

Anita: I agree; for any business in Pakistan there are operational & hidden costs and over the years, cost of doing business in Pakistan has shot up phenomenally. It’s not possible for entrepreneurs to cushion all expenses; hence they pass on the shock to consumers. Similarly, for global brands, it’s getting tougher to control irrelevant expenses, which is why there is such high price variations in brands available locally.

We’ve been in Pakistan for 7 years now and even though exchange rates, transportation and freight cost, inflation and cost of doing business in Pakistan haven’t been favorable, we have tried to maintain a standard pricing strategy across Pakistan.

Synergyzer: Internationally, The Body Shop utilizes a number of promotional and loyalty generating strategies like exclusive memberships, surprise sales etc. What is your strategy for communicating with your customers in Pakistan?

Anita: Every market has different marketing and communication strategies. We mostly organize press conferences, media launches and other targeted events for our products in Pakistan. We are active on social media with 12,000+ Facebook fans and are planning to increase our activity over social networks, although not as aggressively as other cosmetic brands.

Our ethical philosophy does not allow us to invest heavily in marketing and we prefer to utilize funds for different social causes.

Synergyzer: What plans does The Body Shop have for Pakistan?

Anita: Pakistan is demographically a very young country and I personally believe that customers here appreciate that our products are 100% vegetarian – in other words 100% halal – and are not tested on animals.

We will continue expanding and penetrating deeper into Punjab, Sindh and other provinces. By the end of this year, Pakistan will have 20 out of the 2600 stores of The Body Shop, globally.

Tribute to Steve Jobs

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Web Desk

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Jul 30, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29th, 2013 –A movie, based on the life of Apple founder Steve Jobs, titled ‘Jobs’ and starring Ashton Kutcher as the main lead is set to release on August 16 this year, according to Brandchannel.

Open Road Films decided to pay a tribute to Jobs who made Apple – a cutting edge, innovative company – what it is today.

Kutcher agreed to play the role of the computer genius and critics expect him to do justice to the legend with his acting skills.

Promotional activities for the movie are in full swing as makers launch a dedicated website boasting blogs and other interest-generating activities.

In addition to this, the movie has released three trailers on Instagram and released one poster as teaser for fans of Kutcher and Apple.

Other prominent names, from Hollywood, that have contributed towards the movie include Josh Gad playing the character of Steve Wozniak and other actors such as Dermot Mulnorey, Matthew Modine and J.K. Simmons.

Apple has tried to capitalizeon the emotional attachment that people have with their brand.

Steve Jobs had already become a legend because of his services to Apple, evolving it from an ordinary company selling Pcs to one selling ccreativity and dreams.

Many feared, Apple’s sales will face a severe blow after Job’s death but the brand is doing its best to keep its customer base intact.

Apple has been in the business of launching some of the most innovative and tech-savvy products that have not only given the brand immense popularity, but because of its unique features, it has sustained its position over the years.

Canon – Official partner of IAAF World Championships Moscow 2013

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Web Desk

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Jul 29, 2013

Canon Official partner of IAAF World Championships Moscow 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

TOKYO, JULY 29 – Canon recently joined hands with the World Championships at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), sponsoring events and collaborating with the institution for supporting multiple events held under its wing.

From August 10th onwards, some of the most important and engaging championships will take place in Moscow.

The global competition will house talent displays by more than 2,500 athletes, coming from over 200 countries.

Canon, apart from its sponsorship, will cover the events and support the footage with its line of latest gadgets, technologies and products.

Furthermore, service centers will be set up, that would support the press by giving first-hand advice regarding the device.

The centers would also impart knowledge about lending Canon equipment on loan, allowing the footage to be captured real-time.

All accredited and renowned photographers will wear bibs with Canon written on them to show the brand’s presence and support for the IAAF Championships.

Leaked footage: Blackberry 9720 Samoa fails to impress critics

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Jul 29, 2013

Leaked footage Blackberry 9720 Samoa fails to impress critics

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 28th, 2013 – Leaked footage of the new Blackberry 9720 spread on the Internet as critics refuse to give a second glance to the not-so-waited device.

The Canadian manufacturer has launched the new handset with Blackberry OS 7, 1450 mAh battery and a 480×360 screen.

Critics are not very keen on even looking ahead for reviewing the phone as they fail to understand the need to release a mediocre device in this cut-throat competition.

Despite maintaining its position in the mobile industry for a long time, it seems a distant dream for Blackberry to move ahead with the help of their new device, according to Phonesreview.

The phone is said to release before the end of year 2013.

After its successful launch of Q10, the brand appears to have become stagnant, lacking innovation and falling prey to the standardized approach of manufacturing Blackberry products.

With the company all set to release the much awaited A10, it

However, it can be expected that with the release of A10, the company will be able to salvage its current position in the market.

Audi asks Users to Create its next TVC

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Web Desk

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Jul 29, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29th, 2013 – Audi is back with another captivating ad campaign, ‘Land of Quattro’, which tries to bring together Audi owners on one creative platform.

The ‘Land of Quattro’ campaign encourages the target audience to participate and create their very own TVCs with the help of their Audi cars.

The duration of the ad ranges from 30 seconds to one minute and its purpose is to motivate Audi’s customers to make the most attractive and catchy TVCs.

The audience will be directed to a micro-site with the help of the commercial. Once the traffic reaches this site, they will be able to cut and paste the ads that they have made through the camera installed in their Audi vehicles.

The best chosen TVC will run on September 29 with a credit. The grand prize encompasses business flights to Audi GHQ in Germany, along with an ice driving experience.

Apart from the grand prize of having your TVC run on-air, Audi will also distribute weekly prizes to other users who have put their TVC’s on the site.

This campaign will help the brand to strengthen its online presence.

Burka Avenger launches its OST

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Web Desk

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Jul 29, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29th, 2013 – The Burka Avenger released their original soundtrack (OST) today, sung by Haroon and Adil Omer.

The English rap song encapsulates the responsility that the protagonist, or we as people, have towards females, children, old and oppressed.

Pakistan’s first comic character, the Burka Avenger, hit the social media platforms lately and spurred controversy as some tilted towards our very own Pakistani female superhero while other tilted away.

The Burka Avenger has been portrayed as an undercover agent that is working for the well-being of the people in Pakistan, taking down evils and restoring the common good.

The series includes 13 episodes of 22 minutes each.

The underlying objective of Burka Avenger is to associate with the audience, helping them understand their duty towards the society and how should they act towards one another.

People should behave with decorum in order to avoid coming face-to-face with the wrath of the female superhero, is the core message of the show.

Burka Avenger is targeted towards children to encourage them to stay within basic parameters that would help them become better citizens.

Burka Avenger’s website offers you a chance to view the comic series online, along with interactive games and give-away.

It has also launched a mobile application.

Lay’s Chaat street now on Shahrah-e-Faisal

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Jul 29, 2013

Lays Chaat street now on Shahrah-e-Faisal

By Ufaq Ashfaque

KARACHI, July 29 – Lay’s recently launched an outdoor promotional campaign at Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi, in order to promote the two new flavors that have been recently added to their brand portfolio.

The new flavors variants can be seen on a tray like setting, placed on a building. Considering that Shahrah-e-Faisal is the well-linked road in Karachi, the outdoor is bound to capture a massive number of eyeballs as it stands atop a building.

It also helps that the junction is mostly jam packed, with cars moving at snail’s pace, so people have little to do then to stare at all the surrounding advertisements.

While still in progress, Lay’s has taken a good initiative in capturing the attention of individuals over the passage of time.

The two new flavors – Dahi Barey and Mint Chutney – were able to gain attention due to the unique fusion of potato with the popular food street item.

Outdoor branding and advertising is gradually gaining momentum in the city. Gigantic city hoardings, billboards and street branding are some of the common highlights of Karachi.

Creative advertising is an important aspect for such mass advertising. It can come across as some of the most effective and catchy marketing strategies, if executed well.

Smartphone war: Lenovo threatens Apple and Samsung

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Web Desk

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Jul 29, 2013

Smartphone war Lenovo threatens Apple and Samsung

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29, 2013 – Lenovo has emerged as an important player in the Smartphone industry, leaving behind Apple and Samsung. The brand has surfaced suddenly and is looking towards giving tough competition to different brands.

According to the statistics released by the International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung and Apple are the top manufacturers in the Smartphone category.

They produce some of the most technologically advanced and innovative phones in the industry.

However, with the passage of time, both these players are beginning to face immense challenges with local, yet smart players in the industry.

Sales percentages of smartphones and profit numbers have weakened for both these giant brands.

Lenovo, with their robust product lines, catchy brand endorsements, innovative, budget-friendly inventions, looks ahead to good progress.

Even though Samsung and Apple have managed to improve their position with comparatively better numbers in terms of revenues, Lenovo plans to deliver remarkable performance and excel noticeably.

Warid Buyout: Etisalat plans to take-over Warid

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Jul 29, 2013

Warid Buyout Etisalat plans to take-over Warid

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29th, 2013 – Etisalat has shown interest in taking over Warid as reports regarding the former’s sale to local and international buyers spur out, according to Trade Arabia.

Reports from the Trade Arabia newspaper in Bahrain suggested that the brand is now looking ahead for buying Pakistan’s Warid Telecom.

The international telecom company had hired Goldman Sachs for advice in order to make the pursuit of this long-term, profitable investment.

Initially, the rumors suggested that Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) is looking to take-over the telecom service provider, considering its vast network of telecommunication services and also make way for reaching out to mass audience.

However, reports revealed that PTCL could not proceed due to unprofitable negotiation.

Hence, Warid was then kept under observation and consideration for Etisalat, which ultimately gave the telecom brand support and assistance at the right time.

Warid has been among the top five players in the telecom industry. With its pocket-friendly budget, the brand has captured the attention of significant audience, catering to their unique needs and requirements.

Google Play is now the Largest Application Store

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Jul 29, 2013

Google Play is now the Largest Application Store

By Ufaq Ashfaque

JULY 29th, 2013 – Google Play has become the largest application store accessible to users anywhere, anytime globally. Android Smartphones available on the market today seem to become handicapped without the presence of the Google Play application.

Google Play was launched to compete against Apple’s app store but it has now taken over the major businesses of its competition and consequently stolen the number one spot.

This application comprises of over a million applications in comparison to any other app store.

The online store has reached downloads of up to 50 billion and the money earned from these applications is almost thrice, compared to previous statistics.

People working with the Google Play store are constantly updating it with new and unique software that would help improve its utility and also bring together online users.

With constant developments and innovative technologies now incorporated into its databases, chances are thin for any other application platform to acquire the position earned by the Google “Play” Store.