Felicity Games, a prominent casual game developer and publisher, has successfully raised $700K in pre-seed funding from DeVC, Visceral Capital, and a group of esteemed angel investors. The list of notable backers includes Kunal Shah of CRED, former Nazara CEO Manish Agarwal, Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy of Swiggy, and Sameer Pittalwala, Head of Gaming at Google Cloud (APAC).
Felicity Games Secures $700K in Pre-Seed Funding from DeVC, Swiggy founders, Kunal Shah and other marquee angels
Aiming for the Top in Mobile Game Publishing
Founded in 2023 by ex-Swiggy executive Anurag Choudhary, Felicity Games has swiftly carved out a niche in the Indian mobile gaming market. In less than a year, the company has launched over 10 game titles, amassing more than a million monthly users across 14 different geographies. The fresh capital will be channeled into testing an additional 10 games by March 2025, with an ambitious goal to scale revenue by 10x by the end of the year.
Rapid Prototyping with ‘Pokhran’ Framework
Felicity Games’ success can be attributed to its ability to rapidly prototype and test casual games in collaboration with Indian developers. Their proprietary framework, known as ‘Pokhran,’ is designed to evaluate the commercial viability of each game, ensuring that only the most promising titles are scaled up.
Investor Confidence and Strategic Vision
Anurag Choudhary, Founder & CEO of Felicity Games, expressed his confidence in the company’s future, stating, “Given our cost and skill advantages, Felicity Games is well-placed to build a multi-million dollar casual gaming business from India for the world.”
DeVC’s Divyanshi Chowdhary also praised Felicity’s innovative approach, saying, “Felicity has a unique vision to mobilize the growing ecosystem of Indie developers with the capability of producing high-quality game prototypes at a fraction of the cost. Felicity combines an objective approach to commercial testing with iterations on non-conventional channels to drive risk-adjusted growth for new IPs, unlocking developer-friendly publishing for the indie ecosystem.”
Successful Game Launches
Felicity Games recently launched two new titles, ‘Seek & Find’ and ‘Nova Solitaire,’ both of which have become unit economics positive in the US and other Western markets. These games have garnered over 100,000 downloads within just three months of release, underscoring Felicity’s ability to create compelling and commercially successful games.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
Beyond game development and publishing, Felicity Games distinguishes itself through strategic partnerships with studios and brands, co-creating engaging intellectual properties (IPs). This collaborative approach not only enriches the gaming ecosystem but also extends Felicity’s reach and influence within the industry.
With the new funding and a clear strategy for growth, Felicity Games is set to become a major player in the global mobile gaming market, bringing innovative and high-quality gaming experiences from India to the world. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this trailblazing company.
Thiago Alcantara has announced his decision to retire from football professionally. The Spanish midfielder most recently played for Liverpool, but barely made an appearance for them in the 23/24 season.
He has now cleared out the ambiguity over his future by officially announcing his retirement as a player. Rumours suggest that he is now set to begin his coaching career, and was already helping out the Liverpool backroom staff.
Thiago Alcantara retires from football aged 33
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Thiago Alcantara has decided to retire from professional football.
Former Barça, Bayern, Liverpool and Spain player has made his decision.
Thiago’s passion and love for the game continues as he’s ready for new chapter in football after few months planning for it. pic.twitter.com/zR4Uvum1rH
Thiago made exactly a century of senior appearances for Barcelona, winning the Champions League, LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup with them.
The La Masia academy graduate’s most prolific spell was with Bayern Munich. He made 235 appearances for the Bavarians, scoring 31 goals and providing 37 assists across all competitions, while winning seven Bundesliga titles, the 2020 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and three German Super Cups.
After spending seven years with Bayern, he moved to Liverpool on a free transfer, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. The 33-year-old was a shadow of his self from his time at Bayern, but was still an important presence in the squad.
How many games did Thiago Alcantara play for Spain?
OnePlus has started teasing its Summer Launch Event on July 16, with which the company will announce Nord 4 globally. The device being spotted on Geekbench ahead of its performance potential.
More About the OnePlus Nord 4 Indian Variant
Known as the model number CPH2661, thanks to information given by X tipster Sanju Choudhary it is said that this will be called the Nord 4 and specifically for the Indian market. In single-core tests, the phone managed to secure 1866 points while in multi-core they bagged 4216 points. The listing reveals the phone will offer an octa-core processor with a prime core running at 2.80GHz, two mid-cores clocking in at 2.61GHz, and three efficiency cores that run up to 1.90 GHz
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC is in the mix with a motherboard ID of “pineapple” affirming its presence. The listing on Geekbench has also confirmed the device includes 8GB of RAM and comes pre-installed with Android 14 OS. There are flat frames and a two-tone design on the back of the Nord 4. At the top, you get a glass surface that covers the vertical camera rings and below this area is made up of metallic material.
The overall camera setup comprises a 50MP main (Sony IMX882) and an 8 MP ultra-wide lens (Sony IMX335). The phone has narrow bezels on the front of the phone with a hole punch in the center, likely to accommodate a 16MP sensor. It is said to feature a 6.74-inch OLED screen with up to QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2150 nits.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3-powered Nord 4 may come with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The battery is expected to be a substantial 5500mAh cell supporting 100W fast charging. Additional features might include dual speakers, an IR blaster for controlling home appliances, and an alert slider for quickly toggling notifications.
FAQs
When is the OnePlus Nord 4 expected to be officially unveiled?
The OnePlus Nord 4 is set to be globally unveiled at OnePlus’ Summer Launch Event on July 16.
What are the key features of the OnePlus Nord 4?
The OnePlus Nord 4 is expected to feature a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, a 6.74-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, dual rear cameras including a 50MP primary sensor, and support for 100W fast charging.
ViewSonic Corp., a global leader in visual solutions, has once again been recognized as one of the “HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia” by HR Asia Magazine. This prestigious award, received for the second consecutive year, underscores ViewSonic’s dedication to fostering employee excellence, promoting career growth, and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. The award ceremony took place in Taipei, where ViewSonic’s Founder, Mr. James Chu, was honored with the accolade.
ViewSonic Honored with “HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia” Award
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
ViewSonic has actively aligned its initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on “Good Health and Well-being,” “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” and “Gender Equality.” These efforts have set ViewSonic apart from its competitors, demonstrating its commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable workplace.
The Prestigious HR Asia Award
The “HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia” award is one of the most significant employer branding accolades in the Asia-Pacific region, covering 16 major Asian markets. The award employs a comprehensive Total Engagement Assessment Model to gauge employees’ genuine perceptions of their employers. ViewSonic’s performance indicators, particularly in areas like “Sustainable Workplace,” “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,” and “Culture & Ethics,” consistently exceed industry averages, reflecting the high level of employee satisfaction and recognition of the company’s positive environment and culture.
Employee-Centric Initiatives in India
Muneer Ahmad, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ViewSonic India, highlighted the critical role of the company’s employees in its transformation. He stated, “Being recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Asia is a testament to our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
In India, we are committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive working culture, as evidenced by our recognition as one of the finest companies to work for. This honor has a significant influence on our Indian staff members in addition to highlighting our efforts globally. It encourages our Indian team to keep up their outstanding work and reaffirms our commitment to their professional development and welfare. We take great pride in our brilliant and diverse personnel, whose passion and creativity propel us to success both in India and abroad.”
Focus on Employee Growth and Innovation
Gary Wang, Human Resources Director for APAC at ViewSonic, emphasized the company’s dedication to employee growth and self-value recognition. He said, “Employee growth and self-value recognition are at the core of the company’s sustainable development. In recruitment, we focus on employees’ skills and seek talents who align with the company’s culture and core values.
Besides providing a beautiful working environment, health and wellness activities, and various skill enhancement courses, we have fully promoted AI-related training and introduced AI-assisted tools this year. We hope to enable employees to use these tools effectively and achieve greater efficiency. In the second half of the year, we will continue recruiting more AI and software technology talents to inject innovative energy and create more world-class solutions.”
Promoting a Safe and Inclusive Workplace
To retain employees and encourage work-life balance, ViewSonic promotes flexible work timings (8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and an employee assistance program to help colleagues cope with various life challenges, including financial planning, stress management, personal relationship counseling, and childcare and eldercare services. ViewSonic is also committed to implementing equal pay for equal work to attract professional talent. Additionally, the company provides POSH training, emphasizing a safe and inclusive working culture.
Technological Innovation and Dynamic Work Environment
In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ViewSonic offers numerous learning resources and work assistance tools, including skill growth courses, hands-on workshops, and on-the-job training subsidies to help employees achieve their personal career growth goals.
The company plans to use cutting-edge AI tools to improve work efficiency and productivity in India in the coming months. These technologies will help employees achieve better results and streamline their work processes. Furthermore, since last year, the company has been offering leadership and soft skill training to ensure that its workforce has the necessary tools for both professional and personal development.
Enhancing Digital Transformation and Community Empowerment
ViewSonic enhances digital transformation and community empowerment by promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) through paperless solutions, worldwide educational equity efforts, and cultural development.
By continuing to prioritize employee well-being, innovation, and a supportive work environment, ViewSonic is setting a benchmark for excellence in the corporate world, both in India and globally.
Since its launch in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has dominated the gaming industry. Although the single-player campaign enthralled players, many have speculated that a standalone single-player expansion was abandoned in favor of the rapidly expanding GTA Online. Recently, a former Rockstar developer has provided new insights into this matter.
The Dream of Single-Player Expansion
Joe Rubino, a camera artist who worked on Max Payne 3 and GTA V, offered a glimpse into the development process in a recent interview. He revealed involvement in a “standalone DLC for Grand Theft Auto that never came out.” This project, described as “kick-ass” by Rubino, featured a prominent role for Steven Ogg, the actor who brought Trevor to life.
The Rise of a Cash Cow: GTA Online
The creation of this DLC happened alongside the remarkable success of GTA Online. Rubino mentions that the immense popularity of the online mode eventually caused the project’s downfall. He states, “[GTA Online] was so profitable…it was difficult to argue that a standalone DLC could surpass it.”
A Business Decision, a Creative Heartbreak
While acknowledging the financial logic behind prioritizing GTA Online, Rubino expresses his creative frustration. He highlights the passion poured into the project, stating, “We went about probably halfway through it…This shit’s awesome. Let’s keep going, let’s finish this.”
Halfway There: Did We Miss Out?
Rubino’s comments spark a debate. With Rockstar’s vast resources, could they have balanced both projects? Was a complete single-player expansion truly out of reach? This remains a lingering question for many fans.
The Future of Rockstar’s Online Focus
With GTA Online still thriving and updates like “Bottom Dollar Bounties” on the horizon, it’s evident Rockstar remains committed to the online experience.
As anticipation builds for GTA VI, slated for 2025, questions arise regarding the future of online modes across both titles. Will Rockstar manage a smooth transition, or will lessons be learned from the Canceled single-player DLC for GTA V?
Conclusion: A Look Back, A Look Forward
The story of the Canceled single-player DLC for GTA V offers a fascinating look into the delicate balance between creative vision and commercial success.
While the financial allure of GTA Online is undeniable, the lost opportunity for a dedicated single-player expansion leaves a sense of “what if” for many fans. As we approach the release of GTA VI, it will be interesting to see how Rockstar chooses to navigate the single-player and online experiences moving forward.
In a strange turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo is prohibited from creating a YouTube channel. Ronaldo’s income is further enhanced by endorsement agreements he has with well-known companies as Whoop, Binance, Erakulis, Nike, Herbalife, and Clear Haircare. One fascinating, little-known fact about Ronaldo that may surprise you, even with his enormous fame and wealth, is that he is not allowed to have a YouTube channel. Many fans are curious about the reasons behind this restriction, which has sparked a lot of conjecture.
Ronaldo is incredibly wealthy, estimated to be worth $260 million. His position as the highest-paid athlete in the world is solidified for the fourth time thanks to this enormous wealth. A sizeable amount of his income, almost $200 million a year (about Rs 2,100 crore), comes from his lucrative deal with the Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr. Additionally, Ronaldo’s revenues are greatly influenced by his social media presence, particularly on Instagram. According to sources, he charged an astounding $3.23 million (about Rs 26 crore) for each Instagram post in 2023.
What’s the reason as Cristiano Ronaldo will not create a YouTube channel?
It’s interesting to note that this uncommon limitation is mostly due to Ronaldo’s large social media following. He is the most followed person worldwide, having amassed over 900 million followers on many platforms. According to reports, the 39-year-old is unable to launch a YouTube channel because of the possibility that the platform’s financial resources may be strained by the vast number of views and subscribers he would draw from his enormous fame.
CR7 Has been banned from TikTok
When Ronaldo started using TikTok in 2023, he quickly accumulated millions of fans and millions of views on his videos. Nevertheless, his account was ultimately blocked without providing a reason. It is rumored that TikTok was unable to support Ronaldo’s presence financially, which supports the idea that he is likewise prohibited from YouTube.
Fans of Ronaldo can still follow him on other social networking sites, though. He has over 633 million Instagram followers, 112 million X (previously Twitter) followers, and 170 million Facebook fans. Even without a YouTube or TikTok presence, these platforms give fans plenty of ways to remain up to date on Ronaldo’s personal life and brilliant profession.
Jesse Marsch acknowledges that Canada must deliver an exceptional performance to have any chance of upsetting reigning champions Argentina and reaching the Copa America final.
Marsch’s squad will compete for a spot in the final against the World Cup winners at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, after defeating Venezuela in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.
Canada is only the fourth CONCACAF team to reach the Copa semi-finals and the third to do so in their debut, following Mexico (1993 runners-up), Honduras (third in 2001), and the United States (third in 1995).
Canada’s Coach Jesse Marsch
They face a formidable challenge, having already been defeated by Lionel Messi and Argentina’s stars in the opening group-stage game.
In that match, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored as Lionel Scaloni’s team won 2-0 in Atlanta, with Argentina taking 19 shots worth 3.02 expected goals (xG) compared to Canada’s 10 shots (1.16 xG).
While Canada has earned many admirers on their journey to the semifinals, Marsch understands they need to elevate their performance even more on Wednesday.
“Argentina will have to be the best match we’ve ever played and it still might not be enough,” he said. “But whatever. We’re going to go for it.”
Captain Alphonso Davies echoed those sentiments, but noted that Canada had given Argentina a scare in their previous encounter, saying: “It’s going to take everything. We played them in the group stage and we played well but didn’t get the win we wanted.”
Crepeau made six saves in Canada’s Copa America opener against Argentina and may be just as busy in this upcoming match.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 05: Jacob Shaffelburg of Canada celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarter-final match between Venezuela and Canada at AT&T Stadium on July 05, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Buda Mendes/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Buda Mendes / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Despite this, he has shown excellent form throughout the tournament, conceding only three goals from 4.95 expected goals on target (xGOT) faced. Only Claudio Bravo (3.66 goals prevented) and Rafael Romo (2.36) have outperformed their expected goalkeeping statistics by a greater margin.
With two clean sheets, Crepeau is just behind Sergio Rochet and Emiliano Martínez, who each have three. Keeping another clean sheet will be a challenging task for him.
Forward Jonathan David is a key player in the Canadian attack. The 24-year-old joined the national team in 2018 and has been a major offensive contributor, with 27 goals in 53 matches. He scored the only goal in Canada’s 1-0 win over Peru during the group stage on June 25. David currently plays for Lille in France’s Ligue 1, where he netted 19 goals in 34 league matches this past season.
Another vital offensive force is forward Cyle Larin. The 29-year-old has been part of the Canadian team since 2014, scoring 29 goals in 72 appearances. In the 2024 Copa America qualifying playoff in March, he scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Larin’s standout year was 2021, when he scored 14 goals in 13 matches. He plays professionally in Spain for Mallorca, where he has scored seven goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Soccer Football – Copa America 2024 – Group A – Argentina v Canada – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States – June 20, 2024 Argentina’s Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their first goal with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
The star-studded Argentinian lineup is led by captain Messi, who has been with the national team since 2005. In 185 appearances, he has scored 108 goals. In 2022, he set a career-high with 18 goals in 14 matches. A longtime Barcelona player in La Liga, he has spent parts of the past two seasons with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. For Miami, he has registered 25 goals in 29 appearances.
Forward Lautaro Martinez is having an impressive tournament, scoring four goals in four matches, including both goals in a 2-0 win over Peru during the group stage. The 26-year-old has been a key player for Argentina since joining the team in 2018. In 62 appearances for the national team, he has scored 28 goals, with seven goals in eight appearances in 2024. He has also recorded two multi-goal performances since June 14, when Argentina defeated Guatemala 4-1 in an international friendly.
Argentina boss Scaloni criticized the pitch quality after the earlier match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Messi noted that the playing surfaces have affected the tournament throughout.
“The pitch always has an influence. It’s a reality that the pitches aren’t good,” he told reporters, as quoted by The Athletic.
“I think the best one was the one in Miami, which was good from what you saw from the outside at least. It’s natural and that’s already different. Of course, it has an influence.”
Mac Allister set up Martínez’s opening goal against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, and then calmly scored from the spot as the world champions secured victory in a shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The Liverpool midfielder now has two assists in this year’s tournament. Since data tracking began in 2011, only Lionel Messi (in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2021) has provided three or more assists for Argentina in a single Copa America edition.
Mac Allister has successfully completed 122 out of 135 passes in this tournament, with 70 of those occurring in the opposition’s half. As Canada is expected to play defensively, it may be up to him to maintain the flow of play and deliver passes to Messi and the other attackers.
Argentina vs Canada: Head-to-head
Argentina and Canada have faced each other only twice before: once in a 2010 friendly and again in the group stages of the 2024 Copa America.
In 2010, Argentina achieved a 5-0 victory in Buenos Aires, and more recently, goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured a 2-0 win earlier this summer.
Argentina vs Canada: Recent Form
Argentina: WWWWW
Canada: WDWLD
Argentina vs Canada: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Argentina: Team News
Lionel Messi was exceptional against Canada to open the tournament, then solid against Chile before missing the group game against Peru due to injury. While he wasn’t at his best against Ecuador and was the only Argentine player to miss a penalty in the decisive shootout, we can expect to see a stronger performance from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in this rematch against Canada.
With Messi struggling for goals and fitness, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez has stepped up, leading the Golden Boot race with four goals. Although Manchester City’s versatile attacker, Julian Alvarez, scored his first Copa America goal against Canada in the tournament opener, he might be relegated to the bench for this match.
Soccer Football – Copa America 2024 – Group A – Argentina v Canada – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States – June 20, 2024 Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Defensively, Lisandro Martínez is likely to continue ahead of Nicolás Otamendi after his impressive goal-scoring performance last time out, partnering with Cristian Romero in central defense. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was again the hero, saving two penalties and ensuring Messi’s earlier miss didn’t cost his team as Argentina secured their place in the semifinals.
Canada will be missing Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan, who suffered a broken tibia in training and will be out for the rest of the tournament and several months to recover.
Malmo defender Derek Cornelius, who picked up a second yellow card in the quarterfinal against Venezuela, will be available as bookings reset after the group stage.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has used a different starting XI for each Copa America match so far, but one constant will be his emphasis on precise and clinical attacking play during transitions to maximize impact.
Jul 5, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) makes a save on a shot by Venezuela during the second half in the 2024 Copa America quarterfinal at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is a standout player and will feature in a back four alongside Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, and Derek Cornelius.
Porto’s Stephen Eustaquio will captain the side, expected to be paired in midfield with Marseille’s Ismael Kone, who is likely to return to the starting lineup after sitting out the final group match and only coming on as a substitute last time out.
Lille striker Jonathan David remains a key attacking threat, having scored Canada’s only goal in the group stage, his 27th international goal, two short of Cyle Larin’s record. Left winger Jacob Shaffelburg, who scored the opener against Venezuela, will likely retain his starting role in the attack.
While Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies have only combined for one goal, Jacob Shaffelburg has the other, and Canada’s success has largely been built on strong team play and a bit of luck, including two red cards for opponents.
Canada: Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper: Crepeau
Defenders: Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies
Midfielders: Kone, Eustaquio, David
Forwards: Laryea, Shaffelburg, Larin
Argentina vs Canada: Match Prediction
Argentina has been one of the most dominant teams throughout the tournament. They kept their opponents scoreless through the group stages and didn’t concede a goal until late in their matchup with Ecuador.
In the penalty shootout, Argentina demonstrated their composure under pressure.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has been a formidable team, already defeating Canada in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America. Lautaro Martínez has been lethal in the competition so far and is set to partner with Lionel Messi in the Albiceleste front line.
Canada has plenty of pace and could trouble Argentina on the counterattack. However, Argentina is the stronger team on paper and holds the upper hand going into this match.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Canada
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. While reports suggested that FanCode and Sony were in talks to acquire broadcast rights for the tournament, no official announcement has been made. Currently, there is no official platform or channel in India where viewers can stream or watch the match.
As per a new study by Cybermedia Research (CMR), majority of Indian consumers now place durability above all other factors affecting their smartphone purchasing decisions. In fact, the report suggests that 88% of users now rate build quality as one of their top three considerations when upgrading a phone – and around 60 percent claim they would even pay more if it meant having “much” stronger phones.
All About the CMR Report
Conducted through a survey among more than 2,000 consumers in the age group of 18-50 years across major Indian cities, it reflects an increasing demand for smartphones that could bear all types of smartphone blemishes. This trend is also consistent with consumers’ growing reliance on their devices for everyday tasks and a desire to lead more stress-free lives.
Commenting on the findings of this study, Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Manager – Industry Consulting Group at CMR said “Our research indicates that smartphone durability is no longer solely about avoiding scratches and cracks; it’s about safeguarding users’ digital lives. The fear of data loss and losing cherished memories is a major concern, prompting consumers to prioritize reliability and longevity. This presents a significant opportunity for brands that prioritize building robust and enduring devices.”
Key Highlights from the CMR Survey
Durability Concerns are High: 84% of respondents have concerns about owning a smartphone that has such poor durability. Shatterproof screens are the most desired (78%), followed by robust, scratch-resistant materials for 65%.
Fear of Damage is Common: 72% are scared to drop their devices, with cracked screens occurring in one-third (39%) and non-functioning displays common.
Emotional Impact of Damage: Disappointment was by far the most common emotion users reported after damaging smartphones (61%). Losing data and memories can be 63% for losing critical concerns.
Brand Leadership: However, some smartphone brands do it better as far as longevity, ease of use and brand trust are concerned – A true testament to brand leadership. The brand that emerged as the number one pick for 60% of consumers was HONOR, while Xiaomi and Samsung followed closely at a figure of 46%, and another percentage point lower respectively.
The CMR study clearly points out this trend, with the increasing importance of durability in smartphones to not only fight physical damage but also withstand protection for invaluable digital assets. As this trend gains momentum, manufacturers poised to meet these evolving consumer expectations stand to gain significantly in an increasingly competitive market.
FAQs
What is the top factor driving smartphone choices according to the CMR study?
According to CMR, durability is now a critical factor for 88% of users when selecting a new phone.
Which smartphone brand is most preferred for durability in the CMR survey?
HONOR leads as the top choice for durability among 60% of consumers surveyed, followed by Xiaomi (46%) and Samsung (45%).
World Championship of Legends 2024 : Cricket fans, get ready for a nostalgic ride as the World Championship of Legends 2024 kicks off, featuring some of the greatest cricketing legends from around the globe. This unique tournament brings together former stars from India, South Africa, Australia, West Indies, England and Pakistan in an exciting T20 format.
Get Ready for the 11th Match of World Championship of Legends 2024 between India Champions vs Australia Champions
Let’s have a look into more details: World Championship of Legends 2024
When and Where is the World Championship of Legends 2024?
The tournament started on July 3, 2024, and will run through July 13, 2024, culminating in an exciting final. All matches are hosted at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and rich cricketing history.
Chris Gayle SCORE 70 RUNS IN 39 BALLS INCLUDING 4X FOURS AND 6 SIXES IN World Championship of Legends 2024.#WCL2024pic.twitter.com/TnfDKYx88H
The tournament features a round robin format where each team plays against every other team once. The top four teams will advance to the semi finals, followed by the grand final.
Wednesday, July 3
England Champions vs India Champions – 5:30 PM IST
Pakistan Champions vs Australia Champions – 9:30 PM IST
Saturday, July 6
England Champions vs Australia Champions – 5:30 PM IST
India Champions vs Pakistan Champions – 9:30 PM IST
Monday, July 8
India Champions vs Australia Champions – 9:30 PM IST
Friday, July 12
Semi-final 1 – 5:30 PM IST
Semi-final 2 – 9:30 PM IST
Saturday, July 13
Final – 9:30 PM IST
Where to Watch Live Streaming in India?
TV Broadcast
Star Sports Network has the exclusive rights to broadcast the World Championship of Legends 2024 in India. You can watch all the matches live on:
Star Sports 1
Star Sports 1 HD
Online Streaming
For those who prefer online streaming, FanCode is your go-to platform. FanCode offers a seamless live streaming experience for cricket fans. Here’s how you can watch:
Subscription: Access the entire tournament live for just INR 69. This one-time payment gives you unlimited access to all matches and exclusive content.
FanCode Website: Stream the matches directly on the FanCode website.
FanCode Subscription Offer
For a limited time, FanCode is offering a special deal where you can access all the World Championship of Legends 2024 matches for only INR 69. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the full tournament at an affordable price.
Cricket Legends in Action
This tournament is a nostalgic treat as it features cricketing icons like:
Yuvraj Singh (India)
Kevin Pietersen (England)
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
The World Championship of Legends 2024 is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s rich history. Watching these veterans compete again is a chance to revisit the golden era of cricket and witness the timeless skills that made them legends.
Nothing sub-brand CMF has officially released its first mobile phone – the CMF Phone 1, as well as two models of Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2. The company made its market debut in India this week with the CMF Phone 1, a very basic and affordable 5G smartphone. The market is also getting the new Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2 in some countries. The CMF Phone 1 is an attempt to revive a segment that isn’t exciting at the moment.
The New CMF Phone 1, Buds Pro 2, and Watch Pro 2
In India, the CMF Phone 1 is available in two models: one with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for ₹15,999 and the 8GB + 128GB version at ₹17,999 after further discounts. The sales will begin from 12th July through online as well as offline modes. While the CMF Buds Pro 2 cost ₹4,299; The Watch Pro 2 is priced at ₹4999 for its Dark Grey variant and ₹5,499 for blue and orange editions. One standout feature of the CMF Phone 1 is that you can change out its covers using a provided screwdriver. Covers come in orange, blue, green, and black.
CMF Phone 1 is also equipped with a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED screen that offers a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Under the hood, it includes MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and an added-on virtual memory capability supporting further extension up to 8GB. Storage is expandable to 128GB using a microSD card slot on the phone.
Running on Nothing OS 2.6, the CMF Phone 1 is notable for its lack of bloatware. It has a dual-camera system with a 50MP primary sensor and a depth sensor, along with a 16MP front camera. The phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 33W charging, though the charger is not included in the box, which is unusual for this price range.
In summary, CMF’s first smartphone, the CMF Phone 1, along with the Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2, offers exciting new options in the budget segment, featuring interchangeable covers, a high-refresh-rate display, and a powerful chipset.
FAQs
When will the CMF Phone 1 be available for purchase in India?
The CMF Phone 1 will be available for purchase starting from July 12 through both online and offline channels.
What are the key features of the CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB RAM, up to 128GB expandable storage, interchangeable covers, and a 5000mAh battery with 33W charging support.
