Redmi 5+ to Exclusively Launch on Daraz

Available in Pakistan starting 19th February, these feature-packed smartphones bring full screen display innovations to the sub-RMB 1000 category

Global technology leader Xiaomi is bringing its full screen display innovations to the low range smartphone category with the release of Redmi 5 Plus exclusively on Daraz.pk.

With beautifully designed 18:9 screens with rounded display corners, this model is powered by Qualcomm’s 14nm eight-core processors. Sporting large pixel (1.25μm) sensors for the main camera, front Selfie-light, as well as long-lasting batteries. Pre-booking for this beauty begins on Wednesday, 14th February.

18:9 display with rounded corners

With a 5.99-inch 18:9 display that takes up almost the entire front surface, Redmi 5 Plus provides a much larger viewing area compared with traditional 16:9 screen displays. This gives a better user experience whether users are reading news, editing spreadsheets, or playing games on a smartphone.

In addition, Redmi 5 Plus has a screen with rounded display corners and is designed with close attention to symmetry, delivering a stunning appearance. It also features a four-sided curved design that gives users amazing hand-feel.

Large 1.25μm pixels and front LED Selfie-light for natural, well-exposed photos

Redmi 5 Plus comes with rear cameras sporting large 1.25μm-pixel sensors. The larger the pixels, the lighter a sensor can capture, giving better image quality even in situations when lighting conditions are not perfect.

The front Selfie-light on the Redmi 5 Plus allows users to capture beautiful selfies even in low-light conditions. With an always-on mode, this also works when shooting videos. Combined with Xiaomi’s Beautify 3.0, Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus deliver flattering and natural selfies.

Long battery life and MIUI 9 enhancements

Battery life is one of the most important features on the Redmi series, and Redmi 5 Plus continues this tradition with a built-in 4000 mAh battery. The power-efficient 14nm Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, coupled with enhancements in MIUI 9, give Redmi 5 Plus a standby time of up to 17 days.

Flagship-level testing standards

Xiaomi’s Redmi series is widely recognized for high quality, a result of various factors including the use of best-in-class suppliers, and extremely stringent reliability tests comparable to those used for flagship devices.

One example of Xiaomi’s dedication to introducing the highest quality features on all its devices is a design tailored to buffer the impact of any fall in the new Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus smartphones. With a reinforced structure, the likelihood of a broken screen is reduced in cases when a user drops the smartphone, landing corner first.  Furthermore, enhancements to the earpiece, including an additional waterproof layer, help protect the Redmi 5 Plus from sweat and dust, reducing the likelihood of the call volume dropping over time.

The Redmi 5 Plus (3GB+32GB) and Redmi 5 Plus (4GB+64GB) are available in three colors; Gold, Black and Blue. The exclusive Daraz.pk price for pre-booking starts at PKR 17,999 starting 14th February.

A limited stock of the Redmi 5+ will be available on a discounted price during the flash sale on 19^th February from 7 PM to 10 PM. But if you want to get your hands on this beauty for sure, head over to Daraz.pk now to pre-book yours!

Bricks-and-clicks - the current and future retail reality

There is no stemming the digital tide. 2016 saw digital advertising revenues overtake TV ad spends, with revenues for the former surpassing the latter.

Ride this bus or get thrown under: the cultural and commercial imperative to go ‘live’ and be connected has engulfed commerce. And businesses both big and small, whether e-tailers or brick and mortar, have done well to heed this.

As digitization continues its, albeit belated, onward march in Pakistan, it is worth considering how big brands are leveraging e-commerce, and its concomitant channels of digital marketing, to bolster brand presence and generate revenue. 

On the marketplace front, Daraz has emerged a key portal, housing brands both humble and huge, offering them a medium to optimize e-commerce prospects and drive conversions.

Unilever and Daraz on their mutual embrace of ecommerce

Unilever launched Pakistan’s first FMCG ecommerce solution with Daraz back in 2014.  Then, ecommerce was merely in gestation phase. Four years later, Pakistani ecommerce has come of age and stands on firm ground. Yes, it is still young, much like the predominating demographic it serves in Pakistan.

With 30 million active internet users in Pakistan, brands are redoubling their attention to ecommerce.

Daraz Account Manager, Maheen Yousuf,  who has worked closely with brands in the FMCG space, insists that “major players like Unilever recognize that e-commerce is a future-proof investment.”

Assistant Manager Ecommerce at Unilever Nauman Lakhani speaks about the brand’s leveraging of ecommerce on Daraz. “If businesses do not begin to create an online presence for themselves today then they run the risk of being left behind in a highly competitive digitizing landscape. As consumers place higher value on convenience and accessibility against the backdrop of busier and accelerated lifestyles, they’re turning to online shopping.

That’s where Daraz and a host of leading, heavyweight FMCG players enter.

Which categories have the most potential for digital success?

Nielsen’s research (The Future of Grocery E-Commerce, Digital Technology and Changing Shopping Preferences Around The World, April 2015) about digital shopping identified two barriers and two enablers that help identify categories that are well-positioned for e-commerce success.

Stock-up categories like personal care and household products are prime inventory, while immediate use items like fresh and frozen foods, condiments and beverages will be slower in adoption.

Data from Daraz bears this out, with Unilever’s highest-sellers for 2017 being Surf Excel   washing powder 1Kg, and FREE Lux Peach & Cream 150 gm with Peach and Cream trio pack.

Online grocery sales have been boosted by continued progress in mobile adoption and broadband penetration, particularly in developing regions like Pakistan. Zooming out and speaking of the broader region,  Asia-Pacific consistently ranks above the global average for adoption of online retailing options. Ordering online for home delivery is the most commonly preferred retailing option in the region.

Why is online shopping for FMCGs so prevalent in Asia-Pacific compared with the rest of the world?

A few factors come into play. First, Pakistan and its neighbours to the north, east and beyond comprise a rapidly urbanizing region, with a high population density making the home delivery model economically scaleable. Paired with low labor costs, one has the necessary ingredients for an ecommerce boom in place. Additionally, growing smartphone ownership and usage have created significant mobile commerce opportunities.

Willingness to use digital retailing options in the future is highest in the developing markets in the Asia-Pacific (60% on average), Latin America (60%) and Africa/Middle East regions (59%), and trails in Europe (45%) and North America (52%).

In the consumer packaged goods industry, change has been more evolutionary than revolutionary, but digital is redefining what it means to “go” shopping. And Daraz is on the frontlines of this evolution. Shoppers are growing accustomed to the benefits of digital in other retail categories and now expect them in the realm of grocery as well. Savvy brands and retailers like Unilever and Daraz, respectively, are winning by leveraging technology to enhance the shopping experience and satisfy consumers’ evolving desires.

What is the relationship between offline and online shaping up to be like?

This is an aspect of e-commerce that is often glossed over and misunderstood. In Nouman’s words, “Some businesses worry that they could lose the importance of their physical channels, but in reality having an online presence adds to revenue instead of cannibalizing already existing business channels.”

Indeed, the Nielsen study corroborates this claim, claiming that a ‘bricks versus clicks’ approach is not a relevant paradigm anymore. Bricks-and-clicks is the current and future retail reality.

And with an established e-commerce platform like Daraz available to the likes of major multinationals like Unilever, the clicks- and additions to cart many of those clicks invariably bring- are here to stay.

Samsung launches the powerful ‘Galaxy J7 Max’ smartphone in Pakistan

Samsung has now launched its latest smart-device – the Galaxy J7 Max in Pakistan. This device offers a 4 GB RAM, a larger 5.7 inch Full HD display that gives clearer, more lifelike images. It is also enriched with the revolutionary ‘Facial Recognition’ feature to ensure complete security of your personal data.

The ‘Smart Glow’ feature in the new Galaxy J7 Max comprises of a tiny strip of LED light, encircling the rear camera, which lights up in a variety of colors. This light notifies the user, every time a priority-call is received or a specific notification is missed. With so many other fascinating features, Samsung inspires its consumers to: ‘Get ready to Live your Max’ with the Galaxy J7 Max.

This durable smartphone boasts a powerful 13 MegaPixel primary camera on the rear and a 13 MP front Shooter camera to capture much brighter and clearer pictures and selfies, even in low light. The latest camera features allow you to instantly capture the most cherished moments in your life and digitally enhance these images and videos. 

The sleek new Samsung Galaxy J7 Max allows smoother Multi-tasking and UI transitions, with a powerful processor – 1.69GHz Octa Core MediaTek, Helio P-20, enriched with a 32 GB (ROM) Internal storage that can be expanded upto 256 GB via MicroSD card. This device runs on an Android 7.0 User-Interface and is powered by a long-lasting 3,300 mAh non-removable battery, enriched with ‘Ultra Power Saving Mode’. It is now available in Pakistan, at an affordable retail price of Rs. 31,999/- in several attractive colors. 

The Managing Director of Samsung Pakistan expressed his pleasure on the overwhelming response given by the excited customers of Galaxy J7 Max. He stated that; “Galaxy J7 Max is a sensational, feature-rich device that boasts a powerful Processor and fascinating performance to empower the consumers to multi-task, on-the-go. We have unveiled this innovative device to ensure that customers get an attractive bouquet of sophisticated technologies and some truly unmatched smartphone experiences.”

SOFTWARE GROUP SIGNS KEY PARTNER NDC TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS IN MENA

Software Group, a global technology company specialized in delivery channel and integration solutions for financial service providers, announces today its partnership with National Data Consultant (NDC), an award-winning IT Services Provider to banks and financial institutions. The partnership will support Software Group’s strategy to expand operations in the MENA region and will add to the NDC’s rich portfolio of services. 

NDC will act as a key business development and implementation partner of Software Group to enable the company to step in the local markets with great potential. The first countries where the partnership is being activated are Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both companies are already registering significant interest in the joint proposition from financial institutions in Pakistan. The partnership can further expand across the whole MENA and Asia Pacific region as well.

NDC carries deep domain knowledge and experience in all sectors of the financial services industry. Combined with the vast expertise of Software Group in integrations and alternative delivery channels, the two companies will enable financial organizations, in particular banks, branchless banks and microfinance institutions, to drive digitalization strategies and be more efficient and competitive on the market.

 “We are very glad to partner with NDC in developing our operations in the MENA region. The company is well recognized in the financial sector and the partnership will be of a strategic importance for Software Group on the local markets. We are looking forward to establishing a long-term cooperation with NDC and together supporting financial institutions in their digitization journey.” says Mr. Kalin Radev, CEO of Software Group.

 “NDC is delighted to collaborate with Software Group in helping digitize and extend outreach of banks” says Ammara Masood, CEO and President of NDC. “The digital finance industry in this region is both young and dynamic, and, as it grows, it is constantly innovating to address the issues it faces.  We believe that with NDC’s strong presence, expertise of the local market and Software Group’s innovative solutions can really make a positive impact. We look forward to this strategic and long term partnership which will grow our existing client base” NDC current clients in Pakistan include 12 banks.

Aout NDC

NDC is one of the oldest and award winning partner of Temenos since the year 2000 providing Core Banking Consulting, Implementation, Support & Training Services for T24 across Middle East & Africa region.  With over 40 + banks & financial institutes as its clients, NDC has focused on providing high quality standards for its customers through its certified resources and adapting industry leading governing and implementation best practices. Their expertise and experience is in the areas of Conventional Banking, Islamic Banking, Central Banking, Microfinance Banking, Investment Banking and Non-Banking Financial Institutes.        

NDC’s philosophy is to build on their past successes by innovating based on best-of-breed technology solutions backed by a world class services and training capability which features industry best practices, domain knowledge and local requirements in the banking and financial sector. They provide industry leading methodologies, Project Governance, Implementation & Oversight. NDC engages hand in hand with the customer since the beginning recommending, challenging and innovating together to implement the most desirable solutions which result in high customer satisfaction.

PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10 Launched at a Glitzy Party

HUAWEI & Porsche came together to launch the topline PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10

The country’s glitterati came out in full force as HUAWEI and Porsche teamed up to launch the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10. The flagship offering in the HUAWEI Mate 10 Series, PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10 combines technological prowess of HUAWEI and the design philosophy of Porsche to bring a premium experience for people. It features a polished, ceramic-texture design that is exclusively available in chic Diamond Black.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10 is the most powerful Mate Series smartphone. Housing a 6GB RAM + 256GB ROM it delivers the ultimate power-packed performance and tons of storage. A customized UI compliments the overall design showcasing the unique sense of speed and customization of Porsche. The device is shipped in special premium packaging with exclusive accessories and VIP member services.

The launch party was a glamorous affair that brought together the who’s who of Pakistan’s fashion & lifestyle fraternity. A presentation by Saira& Shakira saw Hareem Farooq and Ali RehmanKhan as showstoppers – with Sabeeka Imam, Amna Baber, Cybil Chaudhary, Nooray Bhatti and FarwaKazmi dressed in black & white gowns complimenting the device’s theme.The brand ambassador of HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro Tapu Javeri and superstar ShaanShahid drew major eyeballs at the event.

HUAWEI Consumer Business Group’s General Manager – Pakistan Blueking presented the first-look of the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10. He remarked: “The HUAWEI Mate 10 Series is the most popular smartphone range in Pakistan. Witnessing the tremendous love and warmth from people, we’re bringing yet another top class offering. The PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10 is an eclectic mix of superb hardware and innovative software housed in a premium design crafted by Porsche.”

The PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10 has encapsulated people all over Pakistan with the first wave being sold out within one day. It is up for grabs for PKR 144,999/-.

Pak Consul-General Toronto hosts President of Ryerson University for joint-collaboration

The Consul-General of Pakistan in Toronto, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui hosted a dinner at the Pakistan House in honour of Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President, Ryerson University, to pursue collaboration between Pakistani universities and the Ryerson University of Canada.

The Consul-General officially invited the President of Ryerson University to visit Pakistan in 2018 and briefed him on the economic growth of the country and development of the education sector; he also highlighted the burgeoning pool of talented, innovative and highly skilled students.  

Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, in his remarks appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani mission in Canada to promote opportunities for Pakistani students in higher-learning at the world’s top-notch universities. He lauded the steps taken by the authorities in the education sector in Pakistan to set-up world-class institutions of research, science and technology.

Senior faculty and administrative executives of the Ryerson University who attended the meeting cum dinner included, Mr. Anver Saloojee, Assistant Vice-President International; Mr. Todd Carmichael, Director and International Liaison Officer; Dr. Murtaza Haider, Associate Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management; and Ms. Rabia Shahab, Development and Alumni Officer, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science. 

Also present were Mr. Haroon Siddiqui, Distinguished Visiting Professor; Prof. Dr. Shamim A. Sheikh, Professor of Engineering, University of Toronto; Dr. Shahid Hussain of University of Toronto; Dr. Hamid Akhtar ; Dr. Ijaz Hussain, Dean Faculty of Science, Brock University; Mr. Menin Rodrigues, Management Consultant; Dr. Zarar Rana, Mr. Adnan Bashir, Mr. Hasan Naqvi, Mrs. Khadija Hayat and the hostess, Mrs. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui.

DWP Group showcased many innovations in Lifestyle exhibition

DWP Group actively participated in the Lifestyle Exhibitions held in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi recently. DWP featured its high quality products in all cities.

The Lifestyle Exhibition has been successfully held annually for more than 15 years now, in the three big cities, to showcase innovation and solutions that have a positive impact in raising  the standards of living for the consumers in our society.

Under the umbrella of DWP Group, the most active participation was from EcoStar - the world-renowned brand of electronics. Their LED TVs are the smartest hub of home-entertainment, enriched with the most advanced technologies to deliver outstanding performance. Other EcoStar products such as top-of-the-line Washing Machines, Water Dispensers, UPS, Batteries and Solar Panels were also displayed at the exhibition, to gain market recognition and awareness.

The Lifestyle Exhibition provided on-spot shopping facilities for all EcoStar products, as the consumers could directly purchase their favorite products. Numerous products of EcoStar were also available at specially discounted prices. Gree also showcased its revolutionary AC’s on the exhibition stall. A wide range of inverters, conventional and floor standing air conditioners was displayed for visitors. GREE is the pioneering innovator in smart air-conditioning technologies that saves up to 60% energy.

DWP Group has always sought fresh opportunities to engage and interact with its consumers through such vibrant marketing opportunities and innovative channels, to create more awareness and enhance its image. It has been consistently introducing new technologies in accordance with the changing needs of the consumers.