News Roundup: 9 Stories You Don’t Want To Miss This Week [24 August -29 August]

Flipkart has put its plans to go app only on hold. The company is said to be concerned about mobile app only sales in big-ticket categories such as large appliances and furniture. For which, the company is experimenting with various aspects of service before going app only.

Let’s Have A Look At The Important Developments Of The Week

Disney Is Shutting Down Indiagames

There were reports that Disney India is shutting down Indiagames. But the company said that it is undertaking a restructuring. According to the company, the restructuring will be done in the interactive business, aligned with long-term strategy focused on sustainable profitability and innovation.

LocalOye Goes Pan With Its “India Online Service Category”

The Pan India category will allow LocalOye become first player in home services marketplace to gain a Pan India access of its consumers. With this, the customers will get authentic and factual advice from over 100 certified & verified LocalOye partners across 12 professional services

Faasos Joins The Mobile App Only Brandwagon

This quick service restaurant (QSR) chain receives 97% of its delivery sales through mobile app while serving 65% of orders placed on the app. With heavy traction and flexibility to change menu over mobile app, Faasos plan to go app only.

Flipkart Goes Social; Now Chat With Your Friends When You Shop

Flipkart plans to build a strong foothold amongst mobile app users. The new chat feature called ‘Ping’ for mobile app users, will enable the buyers to share their buys, images, wishlists with their phonebook contacts and create groups just like in Whatsapp.

Paytm Partners With InMobi To Launch ‘Games And Apps’ Category

Paytm partnered with InMobi to launch an app store under a new category called ‘Games and Apps’. The category has a list of curated apps of high utility value which are free to download and install.

Now Use “Ola Money” Wallet To Make Payments For Multiple Merchants

Ola’s customers will now be able to make payment for another ecommerce platforms. The company is also planning to apply for a mobile wallet licence soon.

Yatra Is Launching Homestays In 22 Destinations

With the changing consumer behaviour and pattern of stays, homestay service is attracting instant success. Yatra has announced plans to  launch homestays in 22 destinations for leisure travellers.

Delhi High Court Once Again Turns Down Ola’s License Application

The High Court said that running cabs on CNG fuel is not the only criteria to get license. Ola has been given an opportunity to apply afresh for the license under ‘City Taxi Scheme’ 2015.

Let’s have a look at other developments of the week

FreeCharge Partners With UCO Bank For Effective EPayments

FreeCharge tied up with UCO bank to empower PSUs to adapt digital innovation of online transactions. The bank will be an alliance partner to enable efficient recharge and bill payments for their consumers.

IndianRoots Partners with Government of Bihar To Bring 35000 Artisans To Its Platform

Through IndianRoots platform, the artisanship of Bihar will be showcased to the worldwide audience. The institute currently employs 35000 artisans, working on various crafts, apparel, handicrafts and paintings.

Snapdeal appoints Adobe’s Rajiv Mangla as CTO

Ever since Snapdeal’s former CTO Amitabh Misra left the organisation, the company was on a look out for a contender who would build strongest technology team at Snapdeal to create future ready and innovative technology infrastructure. Rajiv Mangla, who was responsible for Adobe’s foray into enterprise and digital marketing businesses, brings over a decade experience.

Introducing CommonFloor Insignia: Bouquet of Products for Real Estate Developers

CommonFloor’s Insignia will help developers create USP by providing better visual experience of their properties & projects. The products in the visualization category are virtual reality tour, locality experience, mbrochure, homeselect and Commonfloor celestial.

PayUMoney in partnership with Lendingkart unveils ‘Lendingkart Grow’

This joint initiative will empower SME ecosystem through technology for faster growth. Lendingkart Grow will enable business to grow fast with free online payment solutions from PayU money.

Saavn Launches for Windows 10, Bringing Music Streaming Leader to Millions of New Users

India’s leading music streaming app, Saavn, with more than 10 million tracks across 11 languages, announced access to Windows users. The listeners on Windows would now enjoy Saavn’s phonetic search, dynamic bit-rate streaming and industry-leading design.

FashionAndYou Announces Anurag Sharma and Shyam Katuri as Apparel & Non-Apparel sourcing leads

Flash sales company, FashionAndYou, announced the appointment of new leadership for its apparel and non-apparel teams. The duo will leverage their expertise and industry exposure to give new directions to FashionAndYou.

Amazon India & Surpluss.in enter into a strategic partnership

Under the tie up, Surpluss.in will support Amazon’s customers through its service network. It will exclusively power the refurbished corner of Amazon India by refurbishing smartphones of Samsung and Xiaomi.

Amazon Launches Household Supplies Store

Amazon India launched its household supplies store with a wide range of products including dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, laundry detergents, paper, plastic wraps as well as puja supplies.

Uber Drivers Protests In Hyderabad

Over 500 registered drivers in Hyderabad held protests against Uber, accusing the company for not meeting its commitment on business and giving incentives as promised. The protest was followed by one day hunger strike in the city by the protesters after Uber management decided to reject their demands.

Haptik Introduces Reminders & Wake Up Calls

Haptik’s new feature lets users set up reminders for personal responsibility, meetings, tasks and also request for a wakeup call. The feature has Human Interface & Automated Voice Calling ability.