MAM
Airtel Payments Bank collaborates with Noise and NPCI
Mumbai: Airtel Payments Bank in collaboration with Noise, smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), announced the launch of its upcoming cutting-edge NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-enabled Smartwatch, integrated with the RuPay chip.
The Bank showcased the prototypes of this state-of-the-art smartwatch at the Global Fintech Fest 2024. This innovative smartwatch, conceptualized by Noise, brings the future of payments to the user’s wrist, blending advanced lifestyle features with the convenience of NCMC-enabled tap-and-pay transactions.
This launch marks the second phase of the successful partnership between Airtel Payments Bank and Noise, building on the initial efforts to redefine on-the-go payments directly from their smartwatches. Elevating the experience further, this NCMC-enabled smartwatch is set to augment the potential of smart wearables by integrating seamless transactions into daily lives and redefining the future of connected living.
The Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch is engineered to revolutionize payments, offering unparalleled ease and accessibility. With NCMC integration, users will enjoy the convenience of tap-and-pay transactions at merchant locations as well as NCMC-enabled transit payments across metro systems, buses, parking facilities and more nationwide. Additionally, it supports the issuance of transport concessions and monthly passes, where applicable, by transport operators, making daily commutes hassle-free.
Crafted with an embedded RuPay chip in the dial, this smartwatch allows users to indulge in a more secure and flexible lifestyle experience. It offers effortless swapping of watchstraps, providing seamless customization to complement any occasion, personal style, or mood.
Airtel Payments Bank chief operating officer Ganesh Ananthanarayanan said, “We are delighted to introduce the NCMC-enabled Smartwatch, a product that embodies our commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This smartwatch not only simplifies financial transactions but also enriches the daily lives of our users with its advanced features. We believe this launch will set a new standard in the wearable payment devices market as well.”
Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “At Noise, we are committed to transforming consumers’ lives meaningfully by relentlessly expanding the capabilities of smart wearables through future-forward innovation. As we enter this second phase of our partnership with Airtel Payments Bank, our collaboration with NPCI marks a significant step forward in this journey. By integrating NCMC into our smartwatch, we are not just unlocking new potential for wearables but also pioneering a new era of digital payments in India.”
The Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch is designed for a lifestyle, offering a range of functionalities tailored to modern needs. It will soon be available for purchase through both the online and retail platforms of the Bank.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
