DPDP Act: Big Tech Coalition Requests For Extension
The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a group representing Big Tech companies such as Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft, issued a request to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). They sought a 12-18 month extension for compliance with specific provisions outlined in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. In a letter addressed to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the body noted that implementing these provisions would necessitate structural changes in organizations and businesses, which could lead to significant challenges during the transition period.
Meta Logs $34 Billion In Revenue In Q3
Meta posted $34 billion in revenue in its third quarter, up 23 per cent from the same quarter in 2022. Total costs and expenses were $20.40 billion, a decrease of 7 per cent (year-over-year) in the September quarter. Net income rose 164 per cent from a year earlier to $11.58 billion in the quarter. However, the company is still burning cash with its Reality Labs division and it expects its operating losses there to increase “meaningfully” year-over-year. Meta’s AR-VR division has lost close to $25 billion since the start of last year.
Telangana Sees 2X Demand For TVs In Festive Period: Amazon India
Amazon.in has announced that Telangana has shown remarkable growth and witnessed 2x demand for televisions and an increase of more than 60 per cent in 5G smartphones being sold during the festive period, making it one of the top-performing regions in the TV and smartphone categories for the e-commerce site. It was a result of financial schemes such as no-cost EMI, the firm added. Customers in Hyderabad also got a glimpse of Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023 at Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad with the ‘Amazon Xperience Arena’ (AXA).
Nokia 105 Classic With Inbuilt UPI App Launched
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has announced a new addition to its feature phone portfolio with the new Nokia 105 Classic, starting at Rs 999. The phone comes with an inbuilt UPI application and it will enable users to securely and seamlessly perform UPI payment transactions, without a smartphone. Nokia 105 Classic comes with a one year replacement guarantee. Features include wireless radio and good battery life.
Microsoft Rejigs Top Xbox Team
Microsoft witnessed a significant leadership change within its gaming division, Xbox, by appointing Sarah Bond as the new President. This change coincided with the completion of the $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In an internal memo to Microsoft Gaming employees, CEO Phil Spencer noted that Bond would oversee various aspects, including Devices, Player and Creator Experiences, Platform Engineering, Strategy, Business Planning, Dataand& Analytics, and Business Development. Matt Booty will head the game content and studios, including overseeing Bethesda and ZeniMax studios.