MAM
Samsung launches two new GSM handsets
MUMBAI / BANGALORE: Samsung India has announced the all-India launch of two new mobile hand sets – SGH C230 and SGH X640 – bringing the total to ten new models launched in 2005. Another 12 models are slated for release by December 2005.
A vivid 65,000 colour display, 40 polyphonic ring tones, voice recording functionality, 1,000 phone book memory are some of the other features of the Samsung SCH-C230, states an official release. It is priced at Rs 6,249.
On the other hand, the SGH-X640 comes with a high resolution VGA camera with 4X digital zoom, a 65,000 colour display and a shiny self portrait mirror making picture taking remarkably easy. The phone weighs 85 grams and supports tri-band GPRS facility. The phone is priced at Rs 8,699, the release adds.
“The need for high data transmission speeds is fuelling the wireless technology trends, from analog to digital and going forward to 3G and 4G applications. We want to lead in the convergence arena so that our users can truly enjoy the benefits of wireless technology and the growing number of applications derived from convergence,” said Samsung director – telecom H C Ryu.
A Samsung source said that US$2.8 million had been earmarked towards ad-spends for the C-230 and US$1.6 million for the X640, primarily on television-ads. Cheil Communications handles the creatuives. Samsung India GM Corporate Communications Ruchika Batra, said that Samsung had grossed Rs.49 billion for 2004, of which mobile phones contributed 14 per cent. Batra was confident of a 40 per cent growth in revenue for 2005, of which she averred that mobile contribution to revenue would grow to 17 per cent.
Samsung is aiming to fuel its growth in the Indian market through new feature rich handset introductions, strategic operator tie ups as well as by enhancing its penetration in the Indian market. “We are aiming for market leadership in the premium phone category by the year 2007 and expect to grow the folder phone category in India,” he added.
Samsung India is targeting over 90 per cent of its sales to come from the colour /camera phone market. The company, which has launched 10 new GSM models in the first five months of the year, plans to introduce 12 new models in the second half of the year.
“We expect to fuel the growth of the colour and camera phone segment in the country by launching our leading technology, innovative products in the Indian market,” Ryu said.
The company is focusing on customising its products to better meet the needs of Indian customers. A few Samsung handset models support up to seven regional Indian language menus including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati and Kannada.
Based on the growing popularity of FM radio amongst mobile phone users, the SGH-C230 will be available with digital stereo FM radio. This is the first phone in the Samsung product portfolio to support digital stereo FM radio and at 70 grams, it is the lightest in the category of mobile phones with FM.
The company plans to continue leveraging its leadership in both GSM and CDMA protocols in the Indian market and is targeting a 30 per cent market share in the Indian market by 2007.
MAM
Star Sports under fire for ‘cringe’ India vs South Africa Super 8 promo
Broadcaster accused of arrogance and disrespect as fans slam Super 8 promotion
AHMEDABAD: Star Sports is facing a wave of criticism after its latest promotional campaign for the India–South Africa T20 World Cup Super 8 match triggered a fierce social media backlash, quickly dubbed “Cupcakegate”.
The advertisement, released this week, hinges on a cupcake metaphor that many viewers have condemned as patronising and disrespectful. In the clip, an Indian supporter mockingly offers a pink cupcake to a South African fan, a visual jibe widely interpreted as portraying the Proteas as a soft, easily beaten opponent.
The backlash has been swift across platforms such as X and Reddit, with fans and commentators accusing the broadcaster of tone-deaf bravado at a crucial stage of the tournament. The criticism is sharpened by the context: both India and South Africa arrive in the Super 8s unbeaten, undermining any suggestion of a one-sided contest.
Online, the cupcake symbol has been read as carrying multiple barbs. Some users argue it alludes to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s domestic nickname, while others see it as recycling the long-running “chokers” trope associated with South Africa in ICC tournaments. The casting choice has also drawn scrutiny, with viewers noting the physical disparity between the actors playing the two fans, which critics described as a cheap attempt to belittle the opposition.
Even Indian supporters have joined the pile-on. Many warned that such chest-thumping marketing risks “jinxing” the team, pointing to past tournaments where aggressive campaigns preceded unexpected defeats.
Star Sports is no stranger to rivalry-led advertising, having struck gold with its earlier “Mauka Mauka” series. But analysts say the cupcake campaign misreads a fanbase that has grown less tolerant of overtly mocking narratives and more attuned to sporting parity and respect.
India and South Africa meet on Sunday, 22 February, at the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium. With South Africa securing their Super 8 berth through a commanding win over the UAE, the fixture is widely billed as a heavyweight clash, not the walkover the ad appears to suggest.
