Zoho has launched Zoho ShowTime, a web and mobile app focused completely on making better presenters out of speakers. Presenters now can engage with their audience, drive self-improvement through feedback and showcase their work on a secure cloud platform.

With Zoho ShowTime running on computers or mobile devices, audiences can view and participate in presentations as they interact with presenters. Presenters, meanwhile, can view participant engagement, activity and appreciation—at the slide level—so they can improve their presentations like never before.

A video overview of Zoho ShowTime is below

Diving into the product, Vijay Sundaram says

Presentation software for decades has focused exclusively on creating pretty presentations,” said , chief strategy officer of Zoho. “The focus has been on graphics and special effects rather than on tools that engage. Who needs yet another twist-and-turn animation?

That traditional approach misses the goal of most presenters, who don’t just want to create presentations. They want to talk with their audiences—not at them. They want to understand the messages that worked and those that didn’t, so they can improve their material and tactics over time. However, the disconnect between vendor offerings and presenter objectives leaves audiences in a slideshow stupor and presenters in the dark.

During a presentation, attendees use Zoho ShowTime to ask questions, vote on slides, and even go back and revisit slides to cement their understanding. Presenters can step out from the confinement of the lecturn, roam the room, and connect with people. Later, they can examine audience activity, like ratings and questions, to assess what worked and what didn’t.

Zoho ShowTime: How It Works

To turn a presentation into a conversation, presenters upload their PowerPoint or PDF files into Zoho ShowTime. Presentations can also be created using Zoho Show, the cloud-based presentation software. At the start, the presenter assigns a key that audience members use for secure access from their computers or mobile phones.

During the presentation, Zoho ShowTime gives audiences many ways to remain engaged. They can go back slides, “like” individual slides, pose questions, and rate the presentation at the end of the session.

The speakers can leave the podium, interact with the audience, and control the presentations from a smart phone. Zoho ShowTime ensures that the speaker is always in control and not interrupted by all this engagement. Speakers, at their discretion, may select questions, project them on the screen and drive interaction whenever they choose.

After the presentation, Zoho ShowTime provides the speaker with a dashboard of detailed analysis of the presentation with insights into audience engagement. For example, speakers can observe the slides that received the most likes, those where audiences spent the most time, look at overall ratings, and more.

Zoho ShowTime is transformative presentation software. It restores the engagement between speakers and their audiences that robotic presentation technology has robbed.

Pricing and Availability

Zoho ShowTime is available immediately for free in desktop, iOS and Android versions. The Zoho ShowTime apps for presenters is available here [iOS] & here [Android]. The Zoho ShowTime apps for viewers are available here [iOS] & here [Android]

For more information on Zoho ShowTime, please visit official link

Online and mobile ads are one of the biggest threats IT security this year, Trend Micro has revealed in its Q1 2015 round-up.

The company’s latest report, Bad Ads and Zero-Days: Re-emerging Threats Challenge Trust in Supply Chains and Best Practices, has revealed that ad-ware on mobile devices is the top threat in the mobile category – although Trend Micro has identified a mammoth five million Android threats to date. It is, however, predicting this will rise to eight million by the end of this year.

trend-micro-logo

Zero-day exploits are the biggest threat to desktop systems, but again, these are related to advertising and, in particular, are being used on adverts in Adobe software. This means victims don’t even need to head to a malicious site for their computer to be infected.

Dhanya Thakkar, Managing Director, APAC, Trend Micro says

It is clear 2015 is shaping up to be noteworthy in terms of volume, ingenuity and sophistication of attacks..It is clear businesses and individuals alike need to be proactive in protecting against threats. As a business, how would your IT-Security policies look like in a Zero Trust Environment? An aggressive and different security posture is critical to keep financial, personal and intellectual property safe.

In the enterprise space, Trend Micro said the healthcare sector was most at risk of cyber attacks, specifically in iOS and POS system applications. However, these types of threats have existed for the last few years and it would appear that their widespread nature is down to companies not being prepared for such assaults.

The question we have to ask is, ‘are we doing enough to protect ourselves from security threats? While we need to constantly update our systems to protect against new attacks, the first quarter of 2015 clearly showed we need to also watch out for older threats, and how no industry or system should feel exempt.

You can download the complete report from here

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in security software, strives to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Trend Micro enables the smart protection of information, with innovative security technology that is simple to deploy and manage, and fits an evolving ecosystem. Their solutions are powered by cloud-based global threat intelligence, the Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ infrastructure & are supported by more than 1,200 threat experts around the globe.  For more information, visit TrendMicro

When it comes to smartphone, I still own age old Samsung Galaxy Note-I. When I purchased the device, the App Ecosystem was not so mature but now, Fast-Forward 2015; my device is VERY low on memory & installing/updating existing apps is a hurricane task.

I used Any.Do for Task Management since the app works like a breeze. However due to memory issues, I had to uninstall the App.

AnyDo_Logo

As humans, we always appreciate if someone addresses us by name i.e. instead of writing “Hi” in email, “Hi Himanshu” sounds much better since it is more PERSONAL. Upon un-installation, I received an e-mail from the CEO of Any.Do requesting me to “Come back to Any.Do” & the message was innovative & personal 🙂

[Click on the image below]

Email from Any.Do for user retention

This email definitely created a LARGER impact since it was addressed to the “User” & might act as a catalyst for “User Retention” [Insightful discussion on User Retention here]

HDFC Bank launched PayZapp, a payment solution that will revolutionize the way payments and purchases are done on-the-go today using mobile devices. You can pay with One Click for all your spends, from mobile phone top-ups, to instant money transfers, to bill payments, to groceries, to even big-ticket purchases such as foreign holidays and designer clothes.

Within PayZapp is Smart-Buy, a virtual mega marketplace that has every type of product available, from those that fulfill daily requirements to those that meet aspirational needs, just the way a mall has.

HDFC-PayZap

The launch of PayZapp & SmartBuy is the latest initiative in HDFC Bank’s digital banking offering christened #GoDigital. It aligns with the Bank’s core digital theme of ‘Bank aapki muthi mein’, which places the power of banking in the hands of the customer.

Features of PayZapp + SmartBuy

  • SmartBuy is a ONE-STOP shop on your mobile for all deals and offers by prominent e-commerce portals such as Flipkart, MakeMytrip, Cleartrip, Yatra, Big Basket, DTH & bill pay facilities.
  • PayZapp is the country’s first ONE CLICK payment solution that ensures fast and easy checkout using a single PIN.
  • In PayZapp, credit or debit card numbers and their security codes are not required to be entered with every purchase.
  • In addition, PayZapp maps the device with the card number to determine authenticity of a transaction, thus enhancing security.
  • With PayZapp, users can transfer money instantly to anybody using mobile number, email ids
  • In-app creation of NetSafe Virtual International Card
  • No restriction on daily / monthly limits as payments are done through linked cards

Speaking about the new launch, Parag Rao, Business Head, Payment Products & Merchant Acquiring Services said

PayZapp is path breaking. For the customer, whose world has now converged on his mobile device, this innovation will mean that he’ll be able to do every type of payment and purchase from a single App with a single PIN, whenever and wherever he wants, without worrying about prepayment and re-loading. Like all our innovations, the genesis of this platform is customer convenience.

As part of our Bank aap ki muththi mein initiative, this product is another major digital leap. In fact, the customer will find it is not only the #PowerofBanking which is in his muththi, but effectively the whole world.

As of FY 2014-15, 63% of all transactions at HDFC Bank are conducted through digital channels.

Do give PayZapp a spin & share your experience in the comments section…

BigRock, one of India’s leading domain registrars, has announced the launch of their new marketing campaign in collaboration with the .ASIA registry. The campaign started with the launch of a brand new commercial to promote the .ASIA domain extension to small and medium businesses in the country.

The commercial conceptualized and produced by ideas@work, communicates the strong relevance of the .ASIA domain extension for businesses that wish to establish their digital footprint on a global scale and increase relevance amongst potential customers in Asia.

Using BigRock’s trademark tongue-in-cheek communication style, the film showcases the potential adoption of traditional Indian products in other Asian markets.

Shashank Mehrotra, General Manager and Business Head, BigRock India, commented

India is currently witnessing the dawn of a digital era through the combination of rapid internet penetration, government initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures. This means that a large number of businesses will seek to establish an online presence in an effort to reach a wider audience. Our latest campaign aims to reach out to consumers who wish for a more localized version of the internet medium.

With businesses constantly looking to strengthen and promote their brand, the .ASIA extension will help them towards targeting local markets and establishing their presence online to reach out to millions of potential customers in Asia.

With over 1 billion Internet users registered in Asia alone, statistics indicate that overall Internet penetration in the region is still at less than 35%.

Launched in 2007, .ASIA has grown substantially to become one of the leading domain extensions in the world with over 300,000 registered domains. Since its launch, BigRock has seen a steady growth in the demand for .ASIA domain names, and the new campaign is only expected to see this trend continue.

As part of the campaign, BigRock is offering .ASIA domains at just Rs. 99/- per year.

About BigRock

BigRock, an ICANN accredited registrar and hosting company, is a leading provider of web-presence solutions to small-businesses, professionals and individuals. It’s product portfolio includes – domain registration, web-hosting services, Personal email services & Business Email services, website builder products, Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and digital certificates

TajRummyGrid Logic Software, a globally renowned company with ample expertise in the online gaming technology, announced its iOS app for their flagship brand ‘Taj Rummy’ on the rummy platform.

Features of Taj Rummy

  • The app offers multi-player games in several variants, including 101, 201 Pools Rummy, Points Rummy & Deals Rummy games for free to all members.
  • The gaming platform has a unique player protection system that ensures a secure gaming experience through Artificial Intelligence and extended Auto Play, both available on the mobile app.
  • It can be download on all iOS devices –iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS versions 5 and above.
  • These unique features in the new app tackle the foremost complaint of game drops due to frequent internet disconnections.
  • Auto Play [AP] holds the fort by triggering up to five rounds of basic game play, thus buying the player time to get back online.

Furthermore, the innovative Artificial Intelligence [AI] kicks in if there is a disconnection at the climax of the game, and ensures it is played to the best advantage of the player. The algorithm is designed to be simple yet highly effective–the best sequence is analysed as per the user performance and their analytical ability, taking the calculated risk into account.

Speaking about the new technology introduced by Grid Logic, Parikshit Madishetty, MD and Founder said

The programming has been customized for iOS specifically and as a result the new technology as a revolutionary system triggers 30,000 – 40,000 unique users every month, making Grid Logic’s apprehensive venture ‘Taj Rummy’ into a successful virtual gaming zone.

This concept has added a new touch to the gaming experience and we aim to be India’s biggest Rummy gaming portal by 2015.

The R&D team at Grid Logic Software have tested consumer behaviour in their labs, specifically triggering beta tests which created AI by synchronizing the data & analysing the pattern as per human thinking, i.e. user response. Additionally, the app features a Player Mode for superior screen usage and a sleeker UI. It also offers chat and live feed options, thus making the overall user experience completely exclusive.

Background

The advent of online gaming in this market quickly saw the rummy game jump on the bandwagon, or dive into the internet, so to speak. Popular brands today offer everything from competitive user interfaces to players’ favourite variants to high-value promotions, in a bid to acquire players and engage/ retain their share of this enormous customer-base. With technology appearing to grow in leaps and bounds virtually every day, the mobile avenue is currently seen as the most lucrative for the game. More information about Taj Rummy’ here & here

[Image Source – Taj Rummy]

KeyPoint Technologies, a global linguistics innovator enabling intelligent human communication beyond mobile devices, today announced the launch of Xploree. Xploree is industry’s first search and discovery platform that connects mobile users to the most relevant brands and services across search, messenger and other platforms without exiting the current conversation app.

Leveraging KPT’s expertise in multi-lingual capabilities, Xploree which is now available in English for Android device users, will support nearly 140 languages [global & indic] by December 2015.

KPT

Completing an entire cycle of innovation, Xploree has emerged as the only intelligent, user-initiated and hyper-contextual Search & Discovery platform in the mobile eco-system. It predicts user needs during chat conversations and guides them through their mobile journey across apps through relevant content, deals and services discovery.

Speaking about Xploree, Sumit Goswami, CEO of KeyPoint Technologies said

Mobile users today are looking for convenient, relevant and on the fly information while they are in between conversations and e-mails with their friends, family and at work. With expertise & experience to provide contextual search & brand discovery solutions to mobile eco-system players from the current one to 140 languages by end of 2015, we are best positioned to help businesses connect with their customers in real-time.

Built on our patent pending cross-app search and discovery platform, we are thrilled to launch Xploree that offers brands an opportunity to provide innovative content & deals to mobile users’ in a single hop without quitting their ongoing app conversations. Currently we are actively looking at India, South-East Asia and Middle East as our growth markets.

With Xploree, mobile phone users, without exiting the current conversation app, can instantly explore options for movies, fine dining, shopping etc. Brands through Xploree can connect with users in real-time to provide relevant services such as discount coupons, deals, one-hop search and add greater value to the conversation, thus taking consumer engagement from a contextual to a hyper-contextual realm.

Key Features of Xploree

  • Hyper-Contextual – Location, environment, user intent, past actions and more – relevant information, always in context.
  • Immediacy – Information, services and product purchases in your mobile moment and time of need in real-time.
  • Simplicity – Mobile search made simple with one tap – easy to find what exactly you want.

To view Xploree in action, please visit http://bit.ly/1LQKJqo

For Xploree updates please visit http://www.xploree.com/

The most popular Malayalam music audio label Muzik247 has opened its Official Account on WeChat to bring full-on entertainment to fans of Malayalam music around the world. The Official Accounts brings a wide variety of Malayalam music, video discovery and social sharing to a WeChat user. This is another step by a leading international messaging app to build a content and lifestyle ecosystem on its platform, and help connect the audiences with brands and services.

Muzik

After following the Muzik247 official account on WeChat on their Smartphones, users can get the best of personal Malayalam entertainment:

  • Users can connect with Muzik247 for latest updates, requests for music, streaming HD videos, and other customized options
  • Users can easily share their favorite stuff on WeChat to friends through chats or Moments.
  • Users will receive a daily piece of popular viral content circling the web directly on their Smartphones.

Speaking about the association, Syed Zameer, Content Acquisition Head, Muzik247 said

Muzik247 wants to connect with the lively audience who love and enjoy some of the greatest Malayalam film music. WeChat would help us access, connect and communicate with their users in a fun and dynamic way

Speaking about the association, Nilay Arora, VP, Marketing & Business Development, WeChat India said

We are excited to bring the leading Malayalam label Muzik247 on board for our users who wish to enjoy the best South Indian music. The youth of today do not want to be limited by boundaries, and having access to Muzik247 on their Smartphone enables them to socially connect with their friends through even music – hence sparking new conversations and fun chats with friends.

To follow Muzik247’s official account, one needs to simply download WeChat and type in “Muzik247” in the search bar or scan the QR code below. Then follow the instructions in the welcome message to get started.

Muzik247_QRCode

About Muzik247

Muzik247 represents an Audio Label from the Southern Indian State Kerala. Muzik247 has been the most aggressive music label in Malayalam film music over the last two years with a Market Share of over 60% in the year 2013 & 2014.

Muzik247 possesses the soundtrack and song video rights to some of the most successful Malayalam Movies of recent times – Bangalore Days, Drishyam, How Old Are You, 7th Day, Vikramadithyan, Sapthamashree Thaskaraha to name a Few. For more information, please visit Muzik247