Brands
Samsung launches Slim QWerty Smartphone
MUMBAI: TSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, announced its launch of the SGH-i320, new Slim QWerty Smartphone, signaling the company’s drive to the smartphone market.
The Samsung i320 is a super-slim bar type handset, measuring just 11.5mm in depth and 95g in weight with an easy-to-use Qwerty keyboard. The keyboard has the same keyboard layout used in personal computers, enabling users to send emails and text messages far more conveniently; such a fun and simple methodology proved to be a huge success amongst consumers in the US and Europe.
The i320 operates with ‘Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Operating System’ to provide users with a familiar interface that is easy to navigate and use. It allows users to write and store texts, exchange emails in real-time, type memos and more.
Functions supported by this ultra-thin mobile are especially useful for users who want to chat, read, and send emails from their mobiles. The i320 features an imbedded instant messaging program and ‘mobile mail’ functions to enable users to send and receive photos, music and a variety of multi-media messages.
The phone has a 2.2 inches LCD screen with 1.3 mega-pixel resolution camera, along with multi-media entertainment functions such as Bluetooth and high-quality dual speakers.
Samsung says that the product is perfect for users who want to have all of the advanced features of a smartphone in a light and slim package for convenience and style.
Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business president Kitae Lee said, “The trend and popularity of slim phones will be carried over to the smartphone market. Samsung will lead the trend of smartphones by combining its cutting-edge technology and sleek ultra-slim designs.”
The SGH-i320 will be launched in Europe this month. The following launches will take place throughout the rest of Europe and South East Asia shortly.
Brands
Home Essentials raises Rs 70 Cr in pre-series B round
360 One Asset leads funding as D2C brand scales stores and supply chain
GURGAON: Home Essentials, a fast-rising direct-to-consumer brand in India’s home and kitchen space, has secured Rs 70 crore in a pre-series B funding round led by 360 One Asset, with participation from existing backer India Quotient.
The fresh capital is set to fuel the company’s next phase of growth, with a clear focus on offline expansion, supply chain muscle, and sharper product innovation. Over the next three years, the brand plans to scale revenue to Rs 500 crore and reach five million Indian households.
Founded in 2024 by brothers Tanishq Jain and Divyam Jain in Gwalior, Home Essentials has moved swiftly from small-town start-up to national contender. Built on a simple but compelling idea that Indian homes deserve products that are practical, pleasing to the eye, and fairly priced, the company has carved out a niche between high-end luxury labels and no-name utility goods.
From airtight storage solutions to ergonomic loose furniture, its design-first approach has struck a chord with a young, aspirational consumer base. In under two years, the brand has served more than a million customers while maintaining strong unit economics and a clear path to profitability.
Offline retail now forms a key part of the growth blueprint. The company plans to operate 20 stores across India by the end of the year, strengthening its omnichannel presence and bringing its tactile, experiential format to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
360 One Asset senior fund manager Sumit Jain said, the brand is reshaping a highly fragmented category with products that combine aesthetics and function. He noted that the founders have demonstrated disciplined execution and capital efficiency while building a business that resonates with modern Indian households.
India Quotient partner Madhukar Sinha, added that the firm backed Home Essentials early after identifying a clear gap in the market for thoughtfully designed yet affordable home utilities. He said the new funding would help the company expand its catalogue and broaden its national reach.
For Home Essentials co-founder and CEO Tanishq Jain, the mission is straightforward but ambitious. He said the company aims to become the go-to destination for well-designed home and kitchen essentials, with experiential stores reinforcing what began as a strong online play.
Co-founder and chief marketing officer Divyam Jain, emphasised that winning in India’s D2C space requires more than sharp branding. A deep understanding of consumer aspiration, tight supply chain control, and operational efficiency are just as vital, he said, describing 360 ONE Asset and India Quotient as partners in building a high-performance organisation.
In a category long defined by cluttered shelves and uneven quality, Home Essentials is betting that good design, fair pricing, and disciplined execution can turn everyday living into a more polished affair.
