iWorld
Hooq delivers new mobile web experience with google technology
MUMBAI: HOOQ – the largest Video on Demand service in Southeast Asia – launched an all-new mobile web experience for its customers using PWA – a technology that is championed by Google. This technology allows HOOQ to deliver an app-like experience on the web and displays seamlessly and identically on all devices, including desktop, mobile and tablet.
“HOOQ’s deployment of PWA came on the back of findings that four in five consumers access the internet daily on their smartphones and the usage between apps and websites were about the same. At the same time, we’ve also learned that more than half of those who came to the app store, interested in HOOQ chose not to download the app largely due to data constraints or storage limits on their device. This means that having a mobile app will only serve 50% of those mobile users but serving up a pure web experience allows HOOQ to potentially double its reach to mobile users consuming content regardless of their choice of viewing over web or app.” said Michael Fleshman, Chief Technology Officer of HOOQ.
“The intent of introducing PWA is to deliver a smooth and engaging experience where customers with lower-end devices or low data caps can still enjoy the full HOOQ experience without the need to compromise. What’s more, we are able to combine the ease of access and reach of the Web together with the immersive experience of a native app for customers to engage with HOOQ; browse the complete catalogue and play content without having to download the app”, Fleshman added.
HOOQ users can now experience faster load times and smoother interactions even in uncertain network conditions. With the help of pre-caching, HOOQ’s PWA stays up-to-date, serving the user with the newest premium content upon launch and users can also save HOOQ’s PWA to their home screen; making HOOQ accessible, without the hassle of downloading it from the app stores.
Smartphone penetration in emerging Asia has been on the rise and in 2017 over 230 million smartphones were sold, according to GFK. Whilst a 44% year-on-year growth in smartphone penetration provides HOOQ with a ripe opportunity in Southeast Asia, over 60% of these handsets are in the low to mid-range. This growing base of smartphone users are cognizant of their precious storage space on their phones and are less likely to download an app. By removing all this friction, more users can now access HOOQ directly from a URL and are able to share it on social media, email, text message etc. and skip the hassle of app downloads from the app store, resulting in a much larger potential user base.
PWA is now live in all HOOQ markets – the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Singapore, where users can enjoy the best of local and Hollywood movies and TV series by simply going to www.hooq.tv.
iWorld
Mumbai Police bans uniform reels and khaki swag videos
51,000 personnel ordered to stop social media content in uniform, violations face disciplinary action under 1979 rules.
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s finest are hanging up their khaki swag reels because sometimes the spotlight on uniform glamour risks turning into a security slip-up. In a circular issued on Thursday (20 February 2026) and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dattatray Kamble, the Mumbai Police has directed all 51,000 personnel to immediately cease posting reels, mini-vlogs, or any videos shot while in uniform on social media platforms like Instagram. The order warns of strict disciplinary proceedings under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979 for non-compliance.
The crackdown targets the viral “khaki swag” trend that saw younger officers gain big followings through entertaining, dance-filled, or motivational clips in uniform. The circular notes that such content often inadvertently shows office premises, government vehicles, equipment, or duty-related details potentially compromising operational security and confidentiality.
The Mumbai Police Social Media Lab has been tasked with actively monitoring platforms and flagging violations. The move aligns with a July 2025 Government Resolution regulating social media use by state government employees, which bars self-promotion, criticism of policies, sharing confidential material, or posting offensive content. It also mandates clear separation between personal and official accounts, prohibits displaying designations, logos, government property, or office details (except in profile photos), and stresses avoiding anything that could harm the force’s image or discipline.
Senior officers acknowledge that while many reels appeared harmless or even boosted public engagement, the risks of breaching secrecy or projecting an unprofessional vibe outweighed the perks. The trend had produced stars like Amol Kale, who amassed over 583,000 followers and collaborated with celebrities including Ranveer Singh, Nora Fatehi, and Malaika Arora.
For a force that thrives on discipline and discretion, this directive is less about killing fun and more about keeping the uniform’s authority intact on duty and off the feed. From now on, the only reels Mumbai cops are expected to chase are the ones involving actual lawbreakers.
