Archive for August, 2016

Reliance Jio Launches LYF WATER 10 at Rs. 8,699

August 29, 2016

Reliance Jio launched a new smart phone to add to its existing range of LTE-enabled 4G phones; the LYF WATER 10 variant priced at Rs. 8,699. It supports the usage of dual SIM cards and HD voice calling. This smart phone also comes with the Reliance Jio preview offer, allowing individuals to experience Jio services prior to its commercial launch.

LYF smart phone series

Reliance’s LYF WATER range of smart phones currently includes eight cellular devices namely WATER 1, WATER 2, WATER 4, WATER 5, WATER 6, WATER 7, WATER 8, and WATER 10. Additionally, LYF also boasts of the FLAME series, WIND series, and EARTH series.

The FLAME series is the most pocket-friendly and allows individuals to opt for 4G smart phones equipped with LTE technology at affordable prices.

Specifications

LYF WATER 10 sports a 5-inch HD screen with pixel density of 294 ppi and is protected by Dongxu Glass. Running on a 1.3 GHz octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor, it offers 3GB RAM and 16GB ROM in terms of memory. It can be expanded further up to 64GB with the help of a microSD card.

In terms of its camera offerings, the LYF WATER 10 has a 13MP rear camera equipped with two-tone flash while its front camera is 5MP. The smart phone is currently available in a black variant and runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Operating on a 2300 mAh battery, the smart phone is expected to provide talk time up to seven hours and a 150-hour-long life on standby mode. In terms of connectivity options, the device supports EDGE, 3G, 4G, GPRS, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro USB, USB OTG, and GPS.

Morgan Stanley report

Merchant banking leader Morgan Stanley reported that Reliance Jio’s 4G services are expected to touch the lives of 40 million Indian subscribers by the end of the next financial year. This will help the world’s largest start-up garner up to $2 billion in revenue.

The report stated that over $2 billion is expected to be generated as revenue during the fiscal year 2017-18. This will also help them have a market share of 2 percent in voice and 19 per cent in data, bringing them 6 percent overall revenue in terms of market share.

Subscriber base

Reliance Jio’s user base is expected to witness an additional 40 million subscribers during the FY2017-18. On average, Morgan Stanley puts a value of Rs. 300 per user which would help the company immensely in terms of creating a positive cash flow for Jio 4G network. By 2019-20, the company expects to earn profits. In terms of investment, over $21 billion has been spent on helping the telecom arm takeoff.

By March 2017, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) will undertake projects entailing commercial commission that amount to $50 billion. This move would help them create an average cash flow of $5 billion over the next three years.

Summary

Reliance Jio adds LYF WATER 10 priced at Rs. 8,699 to its existing range of 4G smart phones.

Reliance Jio Preview Offer Available for Samsung and LG Smart Phone Users

August 22, 2016

Reliance Jio is an upcoming telecom and digital service provider that will launch its services commercially later this year. Designed to serve as a full-fledged digital ecosystem, the Jio preview offer is now available to customers of Samsung and LG smart phones.  It allows individuals to access unlimited data, calling, and messaging services for a period of three months.

Distribution system

Individuals may avail of this offer through Reliance’s extensive distribution network. It includes flagship Reliance stores like Reliance Digital, Digital Xpress, and Digital Xpress Mini, in addition to the leading mobile retail chains present across the country.

Preview offer

The users will be able to test the Jio’s 4G in India which would further enable the telecom company to make final modifications to enhance services. Industry sources suggest that this move will empower Jio to initiate a digital revolution in India.

In addition to unlimited HD voice calls, video calls, and unlimited superior 4G data services, users will also gain access to premium Jio applications. Activation of a Jio SIM makes these services available for three months.

Compatible devices

Initially, the offer was applicable to Reliance employees. But now, it has been extended to Samsung, iPhone, and LG users as well. The most seamless experience, however, is available for users who have purchased LYF handsets. Offering 4G and VoLTE support, this affordable range of smart phones are quickly gaining popularity in the market.

LYF smart phones

Reliance LYF FLAME 7 and LYF WIND 7 are its latest 4G mobiles in india. The two handsets are equipped with VoLTE support, superior 4G facility, and HD voice calling support and a Reliance Jio card is provided along with each LYF phone. Reliance LYF WIND 7 and FLAME 7 are priced at Rs. 6,999 and Rs. 3,499 respectively.

LYF FLAME 7

The LYF FLAME 7 offers a 4-inch WVGA screen and has 218ppi in terms of pixel density. With Asahi Dragontrail Glass for added protection, this device is available in black variants only. Powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core SC9830A processor, it offers 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM.

The internal memory may be expanded up to 32GB with the help of a microSD card. Moreover, the device has an inbuilt 2MP front camera and a 5MP rear camera with LED flash.

LYF WIND 7

The LYF WIND 7 sports a 5-inch HD display offering a pixel density of 294ppi. Functioning on a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 processor, it comes with a 2,250 mAh battery. In terms of memory, the phone offers 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal memory which may be expanded up to 128GB using a microSD card.

Summary

Reliance Jio’s preview offer is now available to Samsung and LG smart phone users. The company also launched two new smart phone models namely, LYF FLAME 7 and LYF WIND 7.

Reliance Jio Collaborates with Flipkart for Sale of LYF Devices

August 16, 2016

Reliance Jio is an emerging brand in the Indian telecom sector. The services offered by the company include high-speed 4G data packages, VoLTE calling services, and a host of content platforms. To compliment these services, Jio has launched a range of 4G-compatible devices.

Reliance Jio’s LYF smart phones are available across varied price bands to suit every budget. The brand’s main target audience remains customers between the ages of 15 and 30. Jio has sold several LYF devices and the response it has received is immensely positive.

Recently, the company implemented another marketing strategy to expand its consumer reach by collaborating with online shopping portal, Flipkart.

LYF devices for sale on Flipkart

Following the tie-up between LYF and Flipkart, the e-commerce brand put up two LYF smart phones on sale, namely WIND 3 and FLAME 8.

LYF WIND 3 boasts of premium features like an internal storage amounting up to 16GB and a sleek 5.5-inch HD display. The device functions on a Snapdragon processing system and includes the dual-SIM feature. Furthermore, it has a long-lasting 2,920 mAh battery and a superior 8MP rear camera. The WIND 3 model costs Rs. 6,999.

The FLAME 8 is built to last with a stylish 4.5-inch display and a durable 2100mAhh battery. The device is packed with an 8GB ROM that may be expanded with the help of a microSD card. It provides excellent picture quality with its 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras. The phone is powered by an efficient Snapdragon 210 Processor and is priced at Rs. 4,199.

Reliance Jio’s affordable 4G LYF handsets

The Vice President of the Mobile segment at Flipkart, Mr. Ajay Yadav stated that the collaboration could boost both the companies’ goals to expand the reach of 4G in India. Moreover, the e-commerce brand is already responsible for around 60% of the smart phone devices that sell in the country.

Preview offer with LYF smart phones

The sale of the WIND 3 and LYF FLAME 8 smart phone models will also make it possible for Flipkart to give its customers an experience of the high-speed Jio 4G services. These facilities come under a preview offer that entails services like free unlimited calls and internet facilities for three months.

An IDFC Securities analysis recently attributed the success garnered by Jio to its HD voice features, engaging applications, and superior network coverage even in remote areas of India. A Cyber Media Research and Services report confirmed that LYF ranks as the third-largest smart phone brand with respect to sales made during the March quarter, garnering it a market share of 12.6%. The brand has a range of devices under its Elements Collection that includes FLAME, EARTH, WATER, and WIND which are available between the price bands of Rs. 5,490 to Rs. 19,999.

Summary

Reliance Jio ties up with e-commerce brand Flipkart for selling LYF smart phones. Currently, LYF WIND 3 and FLAME 8 are available for purchase on the online shopping portal.

HP Users to Benefit from Reliance JioFi 2 Preview Offer

August 11, 2016

Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio released an offer exclusively for HP laptop users who can now avail of free unlimited data through JioFi 2’s preview offer which would be valid for 90 days. Reliance JioFi 2 is a hotspot device priced at Rs. 2,899.

As Reliance Jio’s commercial launch draws closer, it is encouraging individuals across product sectors to test its high-speed network. The JioFi 2 offer allows Indian HP users to access the quality 4G Internet service.

The preview offer

The HP owners interested in availing of Jio’s services would have to wait for HP to send them an invite email. The email would then have to be presented at the nearest Reliance Digital or Digital Mini Xpress store. This would allow them to purchase the JioFi 2 device under the offer.

Individuals would need to furnish documents like identity proof and address proof to facilitate the purchase of this device. After verification, the devices will be fully operational. The MyJio application will allow individuals to make HD voice and video calls through their JioFi 2 device.

Reliance LYF smart phones

Reliance Jio has launched a variety of LYF smart phones and this also grants buyers access to three months of free unlimited data, calling, and other Jio services through a Jio SIM. LYF’s FLAME series starts at Rs. 2,999 and offers budget-friendly smart devices which support VoLTE and also have the inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot feature.

Samsung smart phones

Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Jio also entered into a tie-up with leading smart phone manufacturer Samsung. Buyers of its Galaxy S7, S6, Galaxy A, Note 4, and Note 5 series were granted access to the Jio preview with the help of the MyJio application. Users had to visit Reliance affiliated stores like Reliance Digital to receive the free SIM cards.

LYF FLAME 8 and WIND 3

Reliance Jio’s LYF FLAME 8 and LYF WIND 3 are the latest smart phones which have been exclusively launched on Flipkart. Customers may buy the FLAME 8 and WIND 3 devices on the e-commerce platform and the purchase will also grant them free Jio 4G SIM cards.

Specifications

LYF FLAME 8 has a 4.5-inch FWVGA screen and offers 1GB RAM along with 8GB ROM in terms of memory. The storage can be extended up to 128GB with a microSD card. The smart phone is powered by a 1.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 quad-core processor. It has a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. The device features a 2000 mAh Li-ion battery and retails at Rs. 4,199.

LYF WIND 3 sports a 5.5-inch display which offers viewers high definition clarity with a pixel density of 267ppi.  The device is protected by Asahi Glass and is priced at Rs. 6,999. Powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8916 quad-core processor, the device offers 2GB RAM. Additionally, the 16GB inbuilt storage can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.

Reliance Jio

Although the network is still undergoing tests, it has already garnered over 1.5 million active users. The commercial launch is expected to occur in the upcoming months. Industry analysts expect the launch to affect the current data prices.

Summary

Reliance JioFi 2 can be previewed by Indian HP laptop owners, which would grant them access to unlimited Jio services.

Nita Ambani Elected as an IOC Member

August 5, 2016

Reliance Foundation’s Founder and Chairperson, Nita Ambani has actively encouraged sports across India. Moreover, she has even gone a step ahead by associating herself with several of them and even backing programs to develop the same. These efforts were acknowledged globally when Nita Ambani was nominated to become a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Nita Ambani’s election

The IOC is the most renowned sports body in the world. Good news is that Nita Ambani has recently been elected as a member of the same following her nomination, making her the first Indian woman in the council. She will represent India on the international platform, thereby helping Indian sports create a niche internationally.

Selection procedure

Nita Ambani successfully went through the candidate-selection procedure and emerged victorious as an independent member. The election took place on the 4th of August 2016, at the 129th Session. The election ceremony was conducted only a day prior to the 31st Olympics Games which are being held in Rio. This election has been a fresh start for India as the country has not had a representative in the IOC for a long time. Nita Ambani’s experience in the field of sports, particularly her role as IPL team, Mumbai Indians’ principal owner, makes her apt as a representative. IOC President, Thomas Bach played a major role in the election process. Nita Ambani was among eight of the most distinguished individuals who were nominated. Mr. Bach stated that each of the nominees were outstanding in their respective fields.

The committee followed a new recruitment process this time that followed the recommendations of the Olympic Agenda 2020. The candidates were nominated keeping their merits in view by members of the IOC. Nita Ambani is the sole representative from India in the IOC. The elite sports body will require her to serve as member till she reaches the age of 70.

Nita Ambani’s aim to develop sports in India

Nita Ambani encourages multiple sports in the country. Apart from her involvement in the Mumbai Indians’ franchise, the Indian Super League is also an initiative by her. The latter is a step towards popularizing football in India. Besides this, she went a step ahead to develop sports by initiating grassroots programs. These programs have managed to enroll more than three million children for several sports.

Nita Ambani believes that sports play a vital role in building a nation and keeping it united. She also stated how it could improve the lives of youngsters in the country. Nita Ambani aims to spread the Olympic spirit across the country and take Indian sports to a global level. Post her election, she was congratulated by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar who took to social networking sites to extend their good wishes. Her election is being viewed as a major accomplishment for India, as the same will help her in speeding up the development of diverse sports in the country.

Summary

Nita Ambani becomes the first Indian woman to become a member of the IOC.

Reliance Industries Devises an Omnichannel Strategy for AJIO

August 2, 2016

Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is extending its Jio brand to businesses like fashion and e-commerce through its new website. While the company’s telecom arm is undergoing final tests and gearing up for the commercial launch, AJIO.com was launched in April and underwent a three-month testing period.

AJIO.com

Named after Reliance Jio, the AJIO store promises to deliver the best in fashion, curated specially for contemporary shoppers. The website offers more than 1300 stylish pieces currently and has already tied up with international brands like Diesel and Superdry.

Reliance’s AJIO will allow individuals to browse and purchase from categories like fashion and general merchandise. This dual model stems from understanding marketing conditions; fashion offers high margins while general stock helps add a diverse range of products although at lower margins.

Parent company RIL intends to create an omnichannel strategy for AJIO by opening shop-in-shops across over 100 Reliance Trends outlets. Several Reliance Trends stores now have AJIO kiosks which allow buyers to browse and place orders from Reliance’s brick-and-mortar stores.

Reliance’s fuel business

The Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries aims to elevate the scale of its fuel business by offering non-fuel related facilities at select petrol pumps. The company’s strategy includes integrating Reliance’s retail offerings with its affiliate fuel stops. Although Reliance aimed at reviving its fuel business in March 2016 through its 1,500 outlets, it will now restart them towards the end of the current financial year.

Several Indian companies, including RIL who have a stronghold in the private energy sector planned to expand their fuel retail business post the Indian Government’s decision of deregulating diesel prices.

Customer-oriented strategy

The private conglomerate owns 361 fuel pumps that are operated by the company across the country. These would be integrated with its retail businesses that span across categories like fashion, digital services, and lifestyle.

The outlets will provide consumers with a diverse range of non-fuel products. Reliance Retail currently runs 3,383 stores across the country in 679 locations.

More than a petrol pump

V Srikanth, Joint Chief Financial Officer at Reliance Industries Limited, said that the aim is to become more than just a chain of petrol pumps. In order to develop the fuel business into a more consumer-oriented one that offers them an enriching experience, the company decided to merge its retail and fuel arms.

Another industry source explained how RIL aims at expanding its retail presence on an infrastructural level as well. By adding some designated square feet to its affiliate petrol pumps, it will not only boost the revenue generated, but also offer value additional retail facilities.

Summary

Reliance Industries Limited intends to implement an omnichannel strategy to popularize its AJIO fashion portal. In order to revive its fuel business, RIL will offer non-fuel related consumer goods at select petrol pumps.