GECs
Disney, Microsoft & Intel get win feel as entertainment moves on-line
MUMBAI: It’s an on-line attack! With on-line services building up, change is in store for Hollywood’s current, profitable packaged goods business model predicts In-Stat/MDR report. Since the on-line services are charging $4 for a movie, an across-the-board decline in retail selling prices for DVDs is a definite possibility.
Looking at the scenario the report has therefore predicted that Disney, Microsoft and Intel are positioned to benefit the most.
According to In-Stat/MDR principal analyst Gerry Kaufhold, as quoted in a company release, “For the past 20 years, the Hollywood movie studios, and the professional video programming industry, have benefited greatly by the tremendous growth of their published media business. However, by the end of 2008, In-Stat/MDR expects that over 280 million consumers will have equipment to make their own media, and over 247 million will be connected to broadband connections. Even if only a few percent use on-line services, the impact on packaged goods will be great.”
A division of Reed Electronics Group’s Reed Elsevier, In-Stat/MDR is a world-leading publisher and information providerIn-Stat/MDR has found that:
Disney’s Moviebeam service uses innovative “push” technology to deliver movies-on-demand at low cost.
Microsoft’s Windows media division has coverage of all key areas.
Intel’s mobile technology will make laptop computers portable entertainment systems.
Additionally, small companies that are poised to provide disruptive technologies or business models include Akimbo, Euclid Discoveries, Synacor, and thePlatform.
PCs with TV tuners will grow at 50.6 per cent CAGR from 2004 to 2008.
Asia is likely to be the strongest market with regards to use of personal content items, accounting for 34.0 per cent share in 2008, and Europe will be a strong number two market, says the release.
The report, “Picking winners in on-line entertainment Disney, Microsoft & Intel” provides a breakthrough look at the rise of personal digital media recorders and broadband service connections, and explains the bold claim that “content” will be pushed out to in-home recording devices, instead of being watched “live”.
The report provides geographic forecasts for eight categories of consumer-oriented digital media products that will be in use through 2008, as well as geographic forecasts for the number of premium and basic broadband connections that will be in use through 2008.
The report provides In-Stat/MDR’s analysis of how Disney’s Moviebeam service provides a “look into the future” of movies-on-demand, and discusses how important initiatives from Intel and Microsoft position them to drive this market forward, adds the release.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
