MAM
MTV partners with Swipe to launch co-branded tablet MTV Volt
MUMBAI: Viacom18‘s music and youth channel MTV has furthered its licensing and merchandising portfolio by associating with Swipe Telecom to launch a co-branded ‘fablet‘ (derived by combining fabulous and tablet) named MTV Volt. The two companies have signed a two-year licensing agreement and intend to launch an array of eight to ten products aimed at the technological and entertainment needs of the Indian youth.
The device has a 6 inch screen along with an exclusive inbuilt TV-player, offering viewers on-the-go access to MTV. It has a touch screen and can be used as both a portable TV set and a fully functional high-definition Android tablet with wi-fi, dual cameras, FM player and GPS functionality offering the youth information, communication and entertainment (ICE) on the move.
Dedicated teams from Swipe and MTV got together to design all aspects of the tablet from the look and apps to the packaging. Priced at Rs 12,999 and weighing 239 gms the ‘MTV Volt‘ sports a white velvet body with specially designed textured back for better use, comfort handling and high aesthetic value.
The fablet comes with in-built apps that allow one to network on Facebook, LinkedIn and allows downloading videos backed by a 2 x 1 GHz dual core processor, HD display and Android Jelly Bean 4.1.1. The MTV Volt has an 8 mega pixel rear camera with flash and 1.3 MP front camera and uses an internal rechargeable marathon battery Li-Ion Polymer 3200 mAh that provides a talk time of 8-10 hours.
While the design has been created in India using insights and inputs from contemporary Indian youth, the manufacturing has been done in china and the distribution will be handled by Swipe Telecom.
Viacom18 SVP and business head – consumer products Sandeep Dahiya said, “In Swipe we found a partner who shares our vision and take on the portfolio. MTV VOLT is a ‘made to order‘ product for the generation that‘s constantly communicating, entertaining and socializing. In the future, we also hope to develop exclusive apps for MTV Volt and create an eco-system around the brand itself.”
Swipe Telecom founder and CEO Shripal Gandhi said, “We at Swipe Telecom are excited to be associated with a youth centric brand like MTV. In the recent past we have seen a paradigm shift in the usage of technology like tablet PCs and Fablets amongst the youth in India which has witnessed a CAGR of 59 per cent. The MTV Volt promises to be a perfect muse for tech enthusiasts of the generation next. In partnership with MTV, we will be launching an array of revolutionary products over the next few quarters; which will be truly disruptive.”
MTV Volt will be available across 10,000 retail points across India, Swipe e-store and also leading online portals like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Infibeam and eBay amongst others and other youth centric platforms. The offline campaign consisting of launches, banners, hoardings, posters will be complimented by an interactive an engaging campaign in the digital space as well.
MTV Consumer Products today extends into more than 15 categories, with presence in both, conventional as well as unconventional categories like innerwear, adventure bikes, footwear, lingerie, eye-wear, bags, stationery and paper, debit cards, deodorants and EDTs, mobile phones and tablets. MTV‘s key licensees include Bwitch, Citibank, Crusoe, Firefox, Aureole-Inspecs, BILT, PLG, J K Ansell, Mochi, Swipe Telecom and Global Fragrances.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
